Dynamically reconfigurable real-time gaming system

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player&#39;s prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses. Prize input is entered into a prize table describing multiple available prizes and also describing payout information that indicates a desired amount of payout that the operator wishes to provide back to players of the game apparatus in terms of the value of the prizes. Prize information, such as prize costs and specific prize win ratios, is automatically determined by the system for each of the prizes in view of the desired profitability of the game apparatus. 
     Additionally, the invention provides method and article of manufacture for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user&#39;s experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the user of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e. web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/915,929 filed Jul. 26, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/433,516 filed Nov. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,645,068 issued Nov. 11, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/040,654 filed Mar. 17, 1998, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,007,426 issued Dec. 28, 1999, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/746,755 filed Nov. 14, 1996, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,816,918 issued Oct. 6, 1998, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to games normally played in arcades and otherenvironments, and more particularly to redemption games allowing aplayer to receive one or more prizes in connection with playing thegames; additionally the invention generally relates to gaming systemsand more particularly pertains to network gaming systems with prizeredemption capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Games of many types are played in bars, arcades, homes, and other publicand private establishments. In bars, taverns, and like places, games canbe provided on bar tops, side tables, and other areas. These gamestypically include a video screen and buttons or other controls for theplayer to influence objects and events portrayed on the video screen.Common “bar-top” games include card games (poker, blackjack, solitaire,and the like), quiz games, sports games, and the like. Bar-top gamestypically provide a score based on the player's performance during thegame and may also provide a high score list, which provides incentivesfor players to perform well.

In game arcades, convenience stores, and the like, more involved gamesare often offered, such as stand-up arcade video games, pinball games,and mechanical or carnival games. Some of these types of games areoffered as redemption games, which dispense redemption tickets toplayers based on player performance during the game and/or a game scorethat the player achieves. A player can exchange dispensed redemptiontickets for prizes available at a prize display area, such as a prizebooth or a prize vending machine, where such prizes as stuffed animals,models, other toys, small music devices, T-shirts, food, and the likeare available. Each prize has an associated cost or “price” in terms ofredemption tickets, which the player can pay to redeem the prize. Aplayer may collect tickets over time to save up for larger prizes thatmay have higher ticket prices.

One problem with the redemption games in the prior art is thatmaintaining a redemption system can be very involved for the operator ofthe arcade, to the point of being burdensome. For example, operatorsmust maintain a prize booth or vending machine, which displays all theprizes the operator wishes to make available. Requiring even greatermaintenance is the setting and adjustment of ticket costs or prices ofthe prizes. The operator must determine how many tickets are paid, onaverage, by each game in the arcade and then determine the price of eachprize in terms of tickets and in view of a desired profitability level.The operator knows the cost of the prizes that he or she paid, can comeup with a crude estimate of average ticket payouts to players, and canthus estimate ticket costs with a rough profitability in mind. But thetask can become overwhelming when a large variety of prizes are offeredand many different types of games can be played, each game having adifferent ticket payout and difficulty level. Many arcade operators endup simply providing very gross estimates of what prizes should be worthin tickets, with no exact or global level of profitability in mind. Thismay lead to extra or unknown costs which can be magnified over time whenlarge numbers of prizes are redeemed by players.

In addition, the prior art redemption games and redemption systems arenot suitable for bars, taverns, and other, non-arcade public places,such as stores, hotels, food establishments, and the like. There is avery large potential pool of redemption game players in such places.This is because the games typically offered in bars and like placesoften have low appeal to players due to the absence of any sort oftangible award or prize that is received by playing the game. Forexample, the bar-top and other games typically found in bars may quicklyget uninteresting if the only reward a player receives is to put his orher name on a high-score list.

However, non-traditional gaming environments such as bars are not verysuitable for supporting redemption systems like those found in gamingarcades. The proprietor or bartender of the non-arcade environment oftendoes not want to provide a booth or area to display available prizes forplayers due to the additional maintenance and staff needed for such adisplay area. More importantly, the proprietor typically does not havethe knowledge to properly adjust payouts of redemption games and offerprizes with proper and profitable ticket costs. Even if the proprietorhas such knowledge, the small numbers of games and/or the secondary roleof games in non-traditional gaming environments does not warrantproviding a prize display area. It does not warrant the abovementionedoverhead by providing and counting the many tickets that players mayaccumulate and provide/maintain ticket costs for various prizes in viewof a desired profitability of the games.

Other gaming environments for players include homes or other privateplaces. Players have been able to play board games, computer games,video games, and the like, at home or other private environments for along time. However, with the widespread use of standardized large-scalenetworks such as the Internet and World Wide Web in recent years,players of video and computer games at home are offered an environmentto compete with each other which was not widely available to gameplayers before. A player can connect a home computer, video gameconsole, set top box, or other device to the Internet using telephonelines, cable TV lines, or other connections to the home. The player canthus play games offered to the player from a remote server or othersource. The player can also compete or otherwise interact in a game withhundreds or even thousands of other players who are also connected tothe Internet.

However, although a wide array of options is available for home gameplayers, players typically cannot play games from home to receiveprizes. Players may often desire to receive a prize after playing a gameor participating in a tournament, but no standardized prize redemptionsystem is provided to home players. Any administrator of such a prizeredemption system faces the same problems and overhead as describedabove when attempting to organize ticket winnings and offer prizes atticket costs adjusted for a desired profitability.

With the widespread use of standardized large-scale wide area networks,such as the Internet and World Wide Web in recent years, video andcomputer games that were previously limited to play at the locationwhere they were located can now be offered in a new type of environment.Such environment allows a game provider to afford access to a networkgaming system with numerous games of a tremendous variety to a vastnumber of remotely located players having diverse demographics andprofiles.

There are many variables when implementing a network gaming system onthe Internet and World Wide Web. In the past, providers have beenrestricted to a “one-size-fits-all” approach to implementing a networkgaming system, which has made it very difficult when attempting totailor many variables in order to satisfy a multitude of diverse playerslocated in a large number of different locations.

One variable that network gaming system providers encounter includes thechoice of games provided to players of the system. Games can come in avariety of forms including games with different theme genres, games ofskill and chance, and even games targeted to particular ages and gendersof players. Many issues arise when choosing games to suit a diverse poolof players. Some games featuring violence, nudity, or certain types ofadult themes may not be suitable to players under a certain age.Further, playing games of chance may also be illegal for underageplayers and for players residing at particular locations. Because ofthese factors, network gaming providers are challenged to find good waysfor controlling access to such games by players of certain ages and incertain locations.

Selecting and presenting advertising for a wide range of products andservices is another set of variables that providers may encounter whenimplementing a network gaming system. In the past, it has been verydifficult for providers of network gaming systems offering a largenumber of games and having a diverse selection of users to effectivelytarget advertising to particular segments of their users.

In order to better attract users to a network gaming system, a providermay wish to offer prizes to users for playing games on their system.However, a provider is forced to overcome several more difficulties whentrying to implement an effective prize awarding and redemption schemefor a network gaming system having a large number of games and a diverseselection of users. Now, for example, the provider must manage amultitude of other variables including the types of prizes to beawarded, the number of prizes to awarded, the value of the prizes to beawarded, and the amount of prizes awarded, the criteria for awardingprizes, and the procedures for redeeming prizes awarded through play onthe system.

With respect to prize redemption, providers encounter several problemsin satisfying a large, diverse, user base and providing a sufficientimpetus to prompt users to continue purchasing games. Decisions as towhich types and amounts of prizes to award can become very problematicwhen trying to provide incentives, which entice players to continue toplay. For example, a middle-age male may not be enticed to play a gamewhen available prizes are limited to toys. In a similar fashion, ateenager may not continue to purchase games when what is at stake is anelectric razor or cufflinks.

Decisions relating to prize rewards are not limited to the types ofprizes that are awarded. Distribution of prize rewards also plays a rolein maintaining a large satisfied user base. It is in the best interestof the game provider to maintain an even distribution so that as manyplayers as possible reap a reward for continued play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, disclosed herein are systems and methodsfor providing game play in exchange for monetary input per game played.The gaming system includes a plurality of game units connected to a gameserver via a network. At least a portion of the network is a wirelessnetwork. In one embodiment, the gaming system is dynamicallyreconfigurable and enables wireless real time gaming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a game apparatus suitable foruse with the present invention;

FIG. 1 a is a block diagram of a game processor used in the gameapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the gameapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present inventionfor implementing networked game apparatuses;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of game units networked using a wide areanetwork, such as the Internet;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of the present inventionfor implementing a redemption system of the present invention on one ormore individual game units;

FIG. 5 a is a diagram illustrating a display shell on a display screenof the game apparatus for use with the redemption system;

FIG. 5 b is a diagram illustrating a selection screen of the gameapparatus;

FIG. 5 c is a diagram illustrating a promotion on the display screen ofthe game apparatus;

FIG. 5 d is a diagram illustrating an advertisement on the displayscreen of the game apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of implementing anon-tournament prize game in the process of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 a is a diagram illustrating an example of game score and prizecredits won by a player as displayed on the display screen of the gameapparatus;

FIG. 6 b is a diagram illustrating a prize selection menu on the displayscreen of the game apparatus;

FIG. 6 c is a diagram illustrating a graphical prize selection menualternative to the menu shown in FIG. 6 b;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of implementing atournament game of the process of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of concluding atournament game of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 a is a diagram illustrating a tournament standings displayscreen, which is preferably displayed by the individual game unit aftera selection of the tournament leaders button 282, or after a tournamentis complete.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of the present inventionfor adjusting prize characteristics of the redemption system;

FIG. 9 a is a diagram of a prize table suitable for use with the processof FIG. 9; and

FIG. 9 b is a diagram of a tournament table suitable for use with theprocess of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a wide-area network, whichinterconnects a plurality of game apparatuses for facilitating a prizeredemption system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of various components used in one of the gameapparatuses of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a general functional diagram of the prize redemption systemof FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a functional diagram illustrating various interfaces accessedduring the course of use of the present invention in addition tounderlying supporting components of such interfaces;

FIG. 13A is a functional diagram illustrating the operation of the prizedatabase server of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating various software componentsof one of the game apparatuses of the present invention and furthermultiple servers associated therewith;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating various operations associated withthe present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theplayer's registration operation 602 of FIG. 6 is executed;

FIG. 17 illustrates the process of the present invention by which thepurchase game credits operation 604 of FIG. 6 is executed;

FIG. 18 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theplay games operation 608 of FIG. 6 is executed;

FIG. 19 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theerror handling operation 610 of FIG. 6 is executed;

FIG. 20 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theawarding prizes operation 612 of FIG. 6 is executed;

FIG. 20A illustrates a method of the present invention for determiningpayment for participating in a network gaming tournament;

FIG. 21 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theawarding prizes operation 614 of FIG. 6 is executed;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a graphical user interface of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the acts involved with anadvertisement feedback aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a generic game apparatus or “game unit” 10suitable for use with the prize redemption system of the presentinvention. It should be noted that a variety of game architectures canbe used to provide game play functions as well as access to other gameunits and servers through networks, as described below. The particulararchitecture shown is a generic architecture using components typical togame apparatuses suitable for use with the present invention. Game unit10 can take a variety of forms, including a video game apparatus havingone or more display screens; a mechanical game having playing piecesand/or other moving mechanical parts; a personal computer system; a“network computer;” a television including or connected to amicroprocessor (e.g. a “set top box”) for the Internet or otherinformation access, or another apparatus.

As described herein, the game unit 10 is used by a player in a “gamingenvironment.” This term is intended to refer to any location, public orprivate, in which games can be used. For example, public gamingenvironments include such places as arcades, stores, restaurants, bars,casinos, bowling alleys, stations, hotels, airports, airplanes, cruiseships, gymnasiums, health clubs, or other public places that can offerthe game unit for use by players and which can provide prizes to playersof the game apparatus. A “gaming environment” need not ordinarilyprovide games to the public. In other embodiments, a “gamingenvironment” can be a private place, such as a player's home or personalresidence, office or other place of employment, private club, and thelike.

Game unit 10 in accordance with the present invention may include a gameprocessor 12, monetary input device 14, player input device(s) 16, gameoutput device(s) 18, a universal ticket dispenser 20, a specific prizeticket dispenser 22, and a communication device 24.

Game processor 12 implements (e.g., controls, influences, coordinates,monitors, calculates, and the like) the functions of the game unit 10during a game process and includes several input and output functions.The game processor controls the game apparatus by receiving inputs froma player, from other game apparatuses, from a server (described below),from a progressive bonus apparatus, and from other sources. The gameprocessor also controls output signals to update the game process whenappropriate. In addition, the game processor controls the redemptionsystem of the present invention by calculating when prizes are awarded,calculating and updating prize lists and prize costs, and otherfunctions, as described below. Game processor 12 preferably includes adigital microprocessor or a similar controller device, and otherelectronic components, which are described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 1 a. The operation of game processor 12 is described ingreater detail below. The game processor is preferably provided within ahousing of game unit 10.

Monetary input device 14 is used to receive the monetary input that isinserted by a player into the game apparatus in the gaming environment.For example, coins can be received in return for the player's use of thegame apparatus. A coin deposit slot can accept standard currency coins,bills, or game tokens that may be available in the gaming environment,and also typically includes a coin return button and coin return slot.Once one or more coins are accepted, the coins are routed to a cash boxand a signal is sent to game processor 12 to increase the player's gamecredits, i.e., to indicate to that one or more game plays have beenpaid. Coin slots and boxes suitable for use in game unit 10 are readilyavailable on the commercial market. Alternatively, other monetary inputdevices can be used, such as debit card or credit card readers wellknown to those skilled in the art, or “smart card” readers which canread and write electronic information to and from the card. For example,“E-cash”, “cybercash” or other electronic monetary forms can be used. Inother embodiments, user verification or validation can be input by theplayer, such as a player identification and/or password that, forexample, allows a monetary value to be billed to a player or deductedfrom a player's monetary account at a bank or other institution. Herein,the term, “monetary input,” is intended to also refer to other types ofplayer validation for use of a game in addition to those forms mentionedabove. In alternate embodiments located in non-public gamingenvironments (e.g., at a user's home), or for other applications, suchas promotional uses of game apparatus 10, monetary input may not benecessary for the player to use game apparatus 10.

Input devices 16 are used by a player or user to provide input to thegame unit 10 to influence game events during a game process and toachieve one or more predetermined goals or tasks for scoring points andwinning prizes or other types of awards. The input devices 16 can alsobe used to select prizes within the redemption system of the presentinvention. Alternatively, separate input controls can be used for theprize functions of the game unit. Player input typically includes gamecommands provided by controlling devices 16 such as buttons, a keyboard,dials, joystick controls, a touch screen, a track ball, a mouse, a gundevice, a steering wheel, foot pedals, speech input through amicrophone, or any other input used in playing a game and providingselections. For example, the player can press a button to tilt a playingsurface to guide a playing piece, move a joystick to control a graphicalobject displayed on a video screen, or toss a playing piece into atarget aperture having sensors to detect the present playing piece. Eachtype of user input can provide a particular game command to the gameprocessor 12, and the game processor interprets the commands andinfluences game states and game events in the game process accordingly.

Preferably, game unit 10 implements, a “game of skill,” i.e., asreferred to herein, a predetermined goal, task, or objective for a gameshould be accomplished in a skillful manner such that an outcome of thegame is determined primarily by the amount of skill of the player. Thegreater the player's skill, the closer or more easily a desired goal inthe game can be reached by the player. Points associated with thepredetermined goals or objectives can be added to a game score such thata higher game score, on average, indicates a greater amount of skill bythe player. For instance, a displayed object can be skillfully aimed ordirected using input devices 16 such as a joystick, buttons, a steeringwheel, and the like, or to avoid other objects using skill or dexterityinvolving hand-eye coordination.

Alternatively, a “game of chance” or other game that does not relyprimarily on the skill of the player can be offered on game apparatus10. For example, such games as slot machines, substantially random cardgames, roulette, and the like, may offer a player a chance to win largenumbers of tickets or prize credits or other prizes of high valuewithout requiring a high degree of skill.

Various other types of devices can also be included in game unit 10 asinput devices 16 to allow the processor 12 to monitor the game. Forexample, sensors of various types can be employed to detect the paths ofplaying pieces directed by the player, detect when playing pieces havebeen dispensed, detect when a game is over, detect cheating actions bythe player, and the like. Also, input devices such as buttons, switches,and the like allow the player of the game to make various selectionsconcerning game play. For example, a player could select a one- ortwo-player game, a preferred award type, a progressive option, and thelike, using additional controls on a front panel of the game unit 10.

Game output devices 18 may influence the game and/or provide feedback tothe player about the current state of the game process. For example,motors or solenoids can influence mechanical components of the game inresponse to player commands, such as tilting a playing surface,dispensing a playing piece, spinning a wheel, and the like. Feedback isperceived by the player preferably in the form of visual, auditory,and/or tactile feedback. A video display screen can provide visualfeedback such as images to the player during the game process. Othervisual output devices can include one or more score displays, lamps orother light sources positioned on or surrounding a “game space” (e.g., aplay field or area of game action). Game output devices such asspeakers, buzzers, alarms, and other devices provide auditory feedback,such as sound effects during a game process, synthesized or recordedspeech, and the like. Game output devices, such as motors, solenoids, orother actuators can provide forces on the game apparatus or on controlshandled by the player to provide tactile feedback in the form ofvibration, jolts, and the like. One or more of the game output devicescan also be used to display information related to specific prizes thatcan be won by the player when using the game unit 10, as describedbelow. Game output devices 18 can also include a coin return slot forreturning coins or tokens or providing other cash prizes after a game isplayed. Game processor 12 preferably commands such feedback to theplayer by sending out control signals to the various output devices ingame unit 10 when appropriate.

A preferred output device is a display screen 56. Game processor 12utilizes appropriate display drivers, graphics chips, and/or otherwell-known components to display and update images on the display screenfor implementing a game and providing information for the redemptionsystem of the present invention, as described below.

In a typical game process of game unit 10, a series of game states occuruntil a game conclusion is reached. The player can influence game stateswith game commands, but game states will often also change without anyuser input, such as when a time limit expires. The game conclusion canbe triggered by a particular game state or other condition. At thegame's conclusion, the player's performance and/or skill in the game ispreferably related back to the player using one or more output devices20 in a form such as game score and/or prize credits. For example, theplayer's performance in the game can be determined by checking if theplayer achieved a predetermined goal or task during the game.

Universal ticket dispenser 20 can be included in game unit 10 used todispense universal tickets or other universal vouchers to a player. Theuniversal vouchers are used to redeem prizes available in the gamingenvironment. For example, tickets can be dispensed from ticketdispensing mechanisms, which is well-known to those skilled in the art.

The universal tickets and other vouchers dispensed by dispenser 20 arereferred to herein as “tickets” or “universal tickets.” These types ofvouchers are generic and not specific to any prize, and can beaccumulated by a player and used to redeem one or more of several prizesavailable to the player. For example, in a standard redemption gamearcade, players of games in the arcade receive all the same type ofuniversal tickets from the various games at that arcade. The operator ofthe arcade provides a separate prize display booth or prize vendingmachine, which accepts the universal tickets as currency in exchange forone or more prizes. In some embodiments, each of the tickets dispensedby dispenser 20 is equal to one prize credit accumulated by the playerduring a game. Some gaming environments provide universal tickets whichmay be exchanged for prizes only at one or more limited locations.

The term “prize”, as used herein, is intended to generically refer toany merchandise, souvenir, food item, or other physical goods orservices which can be offered to players of redemption games and whichhas value other than as a medium of exchange for use in the gamingenvironment. A can of soda, slice of pizza, radio, stuffed certificate,cash, and free games to be played on game unit 10 are all examples of“prizes.” A prize might also be a promotional coupon, which canencourage players to return to the current gaming environment orlocation more quickly in the future. For example, a promotional couponcan be dispensed as a specific prize ticket (see below), which offers aplayer a free pitcher of beer if the player returns and redeems thecoupon within one week (or whatever free item the operator desires).Redemption tickets or specific prize tickets would not be considered a“prize” since these tickets can be used in the gaming environment (suchas an arcade) to redeem other types of prizes. In arcade-type gamingenvironments, each prize typically has a cost or value associated withit, specified as an amount of universal redemption tickets (or prizecredits). The more valuable the prize, the greater number of tickets istypically required to redeem that prize.

For example, a small toy car prize might have a requirement of 20tickets, while a large stuffed animal prize might require 1,000 ticketsfor exchange. Since a player can view the prizes and their associatedcosts in universal tickets, the player can play various games in thearcade until the desired number of universal tickets have beenaccumulated. The use of a universal ticket allows the operator toprovide a specialized “currency” which the players must use to exchangefor prizes at the arcade. Other types of objects or items can also bedispensed and used as universal vouchers, such as plastic or cardboardchips, tokens, and the like, or even coins or other currency.

The amount of universal tickets dispensed to the player is typicallybased upon a game score or other result of a game process. In addition,special or progressive goals may be achieved by the player to win anadditional or specified number of universal tickets. In the preferredembodiment of the redemption system, “tickets” or “prize credits” areused as a medium of conversion from game score to prize value. Actualphysical universal tickets may never be dispensed to a player if theplayer uses his or her ticket winnings to directly purchase a prizewithin the redemption system. The selection of prizes in the presentinvention is described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The game processor 12 can issue commands to start the dispensing oftickets, dispense a particular number of tickets, and stop dispensingtickets. The tickets are stored in a storage area, such as a receptaclebehind a front panel of the game unit 10, as is well known to thoseskilled in the art. In other embodiments, no universal dispenser 22 isincluded in game unit 10, and prizes are redeemed solely by the use ofspecific prize tickets (described below) or other means.

Specific prize ticket dispenser 22 is optionally included in game unit10 to dispense special tickets, coupons, or other vouchers for specificprizes to the player of the game unit. Specific prize tickets are to bedistinguished from the universal tickets described above. A “specificprize” or “instant prize”, as referred to herein, is a particular prizeor type of prize that a player can be directly and immediately awardedand, in most cases, can immediately receive due to a particular winningresult on game unit 10. Preferably, the player redeems the specificprize by paying an appropriate specific prize ticket to an operator,vending machine, and the like, that the player received from ticketdispenser 22 based on a particular winning result on the game unit. A“specific prize ticket,” “specific prize coupon,” or “specific prizevoucher,” as referred to herein, is a ticket, coupon, or other physicalor electronic voucher that can be exchanged for the specific prize only,and cannot be exchanged for other types of prizes or accumulated topurchase several types of prizes. For example, paper or cardboardtickets, special metal, plastic, or cardboard coins or tokens, smartcards, and the like, can be used as “specific prize tickets” anddispensed or output from specific prize ticket dispenser 22.

In the preferred embodiment, a specific prize ticket refers to anassociated specific prize in some way and has a standardized format thatis recognizable and verifiable by the prize supplier or operator. Thespecific prize ticket thus verifies that the player legitimately won aprize from a game unit 10 within an operator's control or knowledge. Forexample, a specific prize ticket can include on its face a textdescription and/or a pictorial description of the particular prize won,such as a slice of pizza or a stuffed animal. The player can turn in thespecific prize ticket to a display booth, other prize area, attendant,bartender, waiter, and the like and receive the specific prize referredto on the specific prize ticket. In other embodiments, the player whowon a specific prize can send in the specific prize ticket or othervoucher to a prize distributor or seller and receive a prize by mail orother delivery service. In still other embodiments, the specific prizeticket can be provided in electronic form as, for example, bits or otherdata to be stored on a storage device or medium. Alternatively, thespecific prize ticket can simply designate that it is a specific prizeticket and not a universal ticket, and other operator-determined factorscan determine which particular prize can be redeemed by the specificprize ticket. Specific prizes and specific prize tickets offer a playergreater excitement and involvement in a game by allowing large prizes tobe won instantly without accumulating tickets, and also provide the gameoperator with promotional opportunities and simple verification thatplayers have won particular prizes. Specific prize tickets are describedin greater detail in co-pending patent parent application Ser. No.08/628,490.

Specific prize ticket dispenser 22 is preferably a separate dispenserfrom universal ticket dispenser 20, although in alternative embodimentsthe two dispensers 20 and 22 can be implemented as a single dispenser.In a preferred embodiment, specific prize ticket dispenser 22 includes aprinting device, such as a laser printer, an ink printer, or a thermalprinter, that outputs a slip of paper including a text descriptionand/or pictorial representation of the specific prize, which can beredeemed for the ticket. This same printing device can also be used toprint either universal tickets with markings/indicia or specific prizetickets with indicia specific to a specific prize that has been won by aplayer. Since players may try to produce counterfeit-specific prizetickets/vouchers, the specific prize vouchers can be provided onspecialized paper, cardboard, or other material and/or include specialidentifying marks, a code or a password not easily reproduced. In someembodiments, the specific prize ticket dispenser can print a value or adescription on the specific prize ticket in standardized bar codeformat, which can be read by standard bar code readers. For example, aspecific prize ticket awarding $1.00 off the price of a product can beprinted with the appropriate bar code and thus can be accepted by anyretail establishment able to read bar codes on products. The specificprize ticket dispenser 22 is controlled by game processor 12 similarlyto dispenser 20 described above.

In alternate embodiments, no universal ticket dispenser 20 is includedin game unit 10 so that only specific prize tickets can be dispensed andexchanged for prizes. This embodiment offers the operator the advantagein that a whole price structure for prizes need not be maintained in aprize booth or other display area. These features reduce the operatingand maintenance costs of implementing a redemption system.Alternatively, the specific prize ticket dispenser 22 can be used inplace of universal tickets and the universal dispenser by dispensing asingle ticket “receipt” that has a universal ticket value printed on it.Players can thus save receipts indicating how many tickets they haveaccumulated rather than saving large numbers of universal tickets.

In still other embodiments, game unit 10 does not include a specificprize ticket dispenser 22. Specific prizes can still be won by a playerusing the game unit 10, but the prizes are claimed and received in someother manner than by ticket redemption. For example, when a playerachieves a predetermined task on game unit 10 to win a specific prize, amessage is displayed on a display screen or other output deviceindicating that the specific prize has been won. That message can be“frozen” or displayed until an operator or prize supplier gets a chanceto see the message and personally verify that the prize has been won.The specific prize can then be given to the winning player. The operatorcan then reset the game to remove the prize message so that players cancontinue to play the game. Alternatively, the operator can have accessto a central computer or game that is linked to game unit 10 throughcommunication device 24 (described below), such as the computer thatimplements a tournament score, and remotely verifies that the a specificprize has been won and reset the game apparatus from the centralcomputer. In yet other embodiments, the dispenser 22 is providedseparately from game unit 10 and is linked through communication device24 to receive prize information through electrical connections. In thisway, a small number of centralized prize dispensers 22 can service alarger number of game units 10 all linked to the central dispensers.

In other embodiments, a player can insert a card or other medium, whichstores electronic data into a suitable output device 18. The game unit10 then can write electronic data on the medium indicating the specificprize that was won by the player, and/or indicating a number of ticketsor prize credits which the player has won. The player can then take thecard and insert the card into a suitable card reader connected to aprize selection apparatus (prize selection is described in greaterdetail below). The prize selection apparatus can be a game unit 10, or aseparate “prize center” which can be used solely for prize selection.

Communication device or link 24 can optionally be included to allow gameunit 10 to communicate with other game apparatuses or with othercomputing, storage, and/or processing devices, such as a progressivebonus apparatus or server, described below. For example, a separate,progressive, bonus apparatus can be provided which is connected tomultiple game units 10 through communication devices 24. Each individualgame unit 10 contributes to a collective progressive score that isstored and displayed by the bonus apparatus. The progressive score, forexample, can be incremented with every coin inserted in input device 14of any linked game unit, or automatically incremented over time atregular or random intervals, manually incremented by an operator of theprogressive apparatus, and the like. The progressive score isaccumulated from the current and previous games that have been played onthe linked game units 10. The first player that achieves a predeterminedprogressive goal on any of the linked game apparatuses wins theprogressive bonus score, where the progressive score is added to thatplayer's game score and thus allows that player to win a greater numberof universal tickets and/or specific prize tickets that may beassociated with the progressive score. Alternatively, an individualprogressive score can be accumulated on a single, individual gameapparatus 10 and displayed on a progressive score display separate froma game score display. For example, the individual progressive score canbe incremented by a predetermined amount each time a player inserts acoin in a coin slot. Progressive goals, scores, and bonus apparatusesare described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,127, by Kelly etal., and co-pending patent application Ser. No. 08/374,490, by Kelly etal., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

Communication device 24 can also be used to communicate directly orindirectly with other game units 10 and other processing devices toallow multiple players to participate in a game process. For example,one game unit 10 can allow a player to control one player-controlledobject in a video game, while a different game apparatus linked throughcommunication device 24 can allow a different player to control his orher own object in the same video game. Such linked apparatuses can alsobe used in quiz-type games, for example, in which players simultaneouslyor successively compete to hit a button to answer a question, scorepoints, and the like.

Communication device 24 can also be used to allow game unit 10 tocommunicate with an operator, server, or other central controller thatregulates and coordinates prize distribution to game apparatuses linkedto the controller in the current redemption system. For example, anoperator in a game arcade can input a desired prize that will beassociated with a specific prize ticket. This input information iscommunicated to the linked game apparatuses, allowing those linked gameapparatuses to dispense a specific prize ticket that displays the prizethat the operator entered. Similarly, the linked game apparatuses cancommunicate information to a tournament server, for example, thatassists the operator or the server in operating the games ortournaments. For example, a linked game unit can inform the operator orserver when specific prizes are won and the type of prize won, how manyspecific prize tickets have been dispensed over a predefined timeperiod, how many universal tickets have been dispensed, how manyprogressive bonus awards have been won, and the like

Communication device 24 can be implemented as any one of many deviceswell known to those skilled in the art. For example, device 24 can be anetwork interface card coupled to a main bus of the system, a telephonemodem, a cable modem, a direct network connection, or another device forcommunicating information according to standard network or modemprotocols. Alternatively, device 24 can be a wirelesstransmitter/receiver for communicating without the use of cables orwires, e.g., using infrared emitters and detectors, broadband RFcommunication, and the like.

FIG. 1 a is a block diagram of a preferred game processor 12 of FIG. 1.Game processor 12 receives signals and commands from the player inputdevices 16 and translates/interprets those signals and commands so thatthe game process can be updated. Game processor 12 preferably includes amicroprocessor 28, random access memory (RAM) 30, read-only memory (ROM)32, and input/output (I/O) 34. Microprocessor 28 can be any processor orcontroller with features sufficient to control the game apparatus. Forexample, a suitable microprocessor for many mechanical game applicationsis the Intel 8031 8-bit microprocessor, which includes eight data linesand sixteen address lines. Alternatively, more powerful microprocessors,such as Pentium-class/power PC class microprocessors, or specializedgraphical or digital signal processors, can be used. Microprocessor 28executes a process, described by software instructions stored in memory,which recognizes a game command from player input devices 16. Thesoftware instructions can be stored in a “computer readable medium”,which, by way of example, includes memory such as RAM and ROM, magneticdisks, magnetic tape, optically readable media such as CD ROMs,semiconductor memory such as memory chips or PCMCIA cards, and the like.In each case, the medium may take the form of a portable item such as asmall disk, diskette, cassette, memory module, and the like, or it maytake the form of a relatively larger or immobile item such as a harddisk drive.

Microprocessor 28 is coupled to RAM 30 by a data (D)/address (A)/control(C) bus 36 to permit the use of RAM for scratch-pad memory and otherfunctions during a game process. ROM 32 is preferably an erasable,programmable read-only memory (EPROM) that contains the start-upinstructions and operating system for the microprocessor 28. Much of theinstructions to implement the process of FIGS. 5 and/or 9 can be storedin ROM 32. Methods for coupling RAM 30 and ROM 32 to the microprocessor28 by bus 36 including data, address, and control lines are well-knownto those skilled in the art.

I/O 34 includes buffers, drivers, ports, registers, and other analogand/or digital circuitry to interface inputs and outputs with the bus36. Game output devices 18 and input devices 16 can be coupled to I/O34. For example, a display screen can be coupled to I/O 34 so that themicroprocessor or another video processor can control the display ofimages on the display screen, as is well known to those skilled in theart.

Game processor 12 can be implemented as part of a control systemincluding other electronic components (not shown). Besides thecomponents of game processor 12, the control system can includeoperator-configurable controls to provide selectable game functions suchas the amount the score is incremented for certain player actions orcommands, the amount of prize credits awarded based on the score, thespeed and/or difficulty of game play, the conditions required to add tothe game score and/or receive universal or specific prize tickets, theconditions required for a player to win a progressive bonus award orenter a tournament, and the like. These factors can affect thedifficulty of the game and the amount of tickets/vouchers received byplayers. Other functions selectable by such controls can include soundeffects, a test mode, the type of game, and so on. The game processorcan also include other components, such as a sound chip, audioamplifier, and speaker.

The game processor 12 can also be implemented within a standard personalcomputer, workstation, network computer, or similar device. The computercan include plug-in interface cards such as video cards, 3-D graphicscards, sound cards, controller cards, and the like. Standard peripheralscan be coupled to the I/O 34 as input devices 16 and output devices 18,such as a CD-ROM drive, a storage device (a floppy disk drive, a harddisk drive, and the like), a PCMCIA card, a printer, a stylus andtablet, a microphone for voice recognition, a camera, or communicationdevice 24.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment 50 of game unit 10 whichcan include the features of the present invention to implement games anda redemption system. Game unit 50 is a multi-function game station orgame console, which is intended to implement multiple types of gamesusing one apparatus, as described below. Game station 50 includes ahousing 52, player controls 54, display screen 56, coin slot 58, speaker59, and specific prize ticket dispenser 22 (a universal ticket dispenser20 can also be included in other embodiments).

Housing 52 encloses and supports the components of the game unit 50.Player controls 54 allow a player to provide player input as describedwith reference to FIG. 1. The player controls preferably include anumber of buttons 60 and a track ball 62. Buttons 60 can be used by aplayer to input selections or actions offered during games. For example,during a poker-style game showing a hand of cards, each button 60 can beassociated with a particular card and the player can hold or discard acard by pressing or not pressing the associated button. Track ball 62allows a variety of control options in several types of games. Forexample, the track ball allows a player to easily select certain areasdisplayed on display screen 56 with a player-controlled cursor.Alternatively, many other types of player controls can be used. Forexample, display screen 56 can be provided as a touch screen for readingthe positions of objects that contact the screen. This allows players toselect objects displayed on the touch screen by pressing a fingerdirectly on the screen at the positions of the displayed objects, as iswell known to those skilled in the art.

Images can be displayed and updated on display screen 56 by gameprocessor 12 or other controllers by methods well known to those skilledin the art. Coin slot 58 is provided for the player to insert one ormore coins before starting a game and can be implemented as describedabove. Other monetary input devices, such as card readers, can beprovided in other embodiments. Specific prize ticket dispenser 22 isimplemented as described above. Depending on the location of the gameunit 10, a universal-ticket dispenser 20 may or may not be included. Instandard redemption game environments, the dispenser 20 can be providedas described above. In some non-standard gaming environments, such asbars, restaurants, stores, and the like, it may be more appropriate tohave only a specific prize ticket dispenser in game unit 10 since aprize display area may not be present in the non-standard gamingenvironments.

Alternately, other input and output devices can also be included in gameunit 50. For example, a card reading/writing device, a video scanner, avideo camera, a microphone, a dollar bill acceptor, a personal digitalassistant interface port, or other devices can be provided to allow aplayer to input data from various sources and to allow the game unit tooutput prize information in a variety of forms.

Multi-use game unit 50 can be used in a variety of gaming environments.For example, game unit 50 is small enough to be easily located, thusallowing the game unit to be provided as a “bar top” game in a bar,restaurant, or similar environments and locales. The redemption systemof the present invention can thus be used in these non-traditionalenvironments, where redemption games that do not have unit 50 can alsobe used in environments such as a gaming arcade. Also, environments suchas casinos can use game unit 50 as shown in FIG. 2 or in modified form.

The bar top game 50 can offer one of several different types of videogames utilizing images displayed on display screen 56. Some examples ofgames are described in greater detail below. Players can select buttons60 to pick cards in a hand or displayed cards, for example. Likewise,trivia or quiz-type games are popular in bar type environments, wheretrivia from a range of subjects can be posed as questions for playersand where players can select specific buttons 60, which correspond todisplayed multiple choice answers; or players might speak an answer in amicrophone if the game apparatus includes a speech recognition device.In addition, video games, which allow high-player involvement can beimplemented on game unit 50. Memory games, timed games, knowledge games,and sports games such as basketball, golf, and the like can be provided,as well as other types of video games.

In one embodiment, game processor 14 can include a well-knownmicroprocessor such as a Pentium-based microprocessor, as well asadditional components necessary to implement popular computer platforms.Software that can be implemented on the Pentium microprocessor can thusbe provided on multi-use game unit 50. This allows a wide variety ofavailable games to be provided on game unit 50. Preferably, the playercan select one of several offered games to play using player controls54; the monetary amount required to play a certain game can varydepending on the type of game selected.

Multi-use game unit 50 is also ideally suited for linked or networkedgame play utilizing a communication device 24 as described withreference to FIG. 1 to create a multi-apparatus game system. A singlegame unit 50 can be linked with one or more other game units 50 to allowmultiplayer games, as described in greater detail below. For example,game unit 50 can include a “network computer” which typically includeslower cost components than stand-alone PC's and which can utilizeprocessors and software over a network to do many of computing tasks forthe user of the computer. When provided as a network computer, game unit50 can be initially provided as a stand-alone device which is notnetworked, and then eventually can be easily upgraded to intra-site andinter-site gaming systems, as described with reference to FIG. 3.

In addition, universal tickets can be won and dispensed from game unit50 similar to the embodiments described above. A prize selection menu,as described below with reference to FIG. 6, is also well suited forgame unit 50 since the player can easily select a desired prize fromavailable lists or menus displayed on screen 56 using track ball 62.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment 100 of the presentinvention for implementing networked game units with the redemptionsystem of the present invention. Individual game units 10 a and 10 b aredescribed above with reference to FIG. 1, and may take the form of gameunit 50 of FIG. 2 in appropriate embodiments. Each game unit 10 a and 10b accepts monetary input 104, such as coins, tokens, a debit card, acredit card, a smart card, or other forms of monetary or validatedinput. Each game unit 10 a and 10 b allows a player to participate in agame of skill implemented on the game unit after the monetary input isreceived. Each game unit 10 a and 10 b is also preferably capable ofdispensing an award 106 to a player in accordance with his or herperformance in the game. This performance is typically indicated by agame score. Such award can be a specific prize ticket or coupon,universal tickets, smart card electronic data, and the like.Alternatively, awards can be provided in other ways as described herein.

Each game unit 10 a and 10 b may be coupled to a server 108 by a bus110. The server 108 can be a separate device or apparatus which includesa controller, such as a microprocessor, and/or a storage device, such asa hard disk drive, memory devices, and the like. Server 108 can includea microprocessor similar to game unit 10 described above, and may alsoinclude input and output devices. For example, the server can be one ormore personal computers, “workstations,” mainframe computers, or othertypes of computers or processors. The game units can be electricallycoupled by cables or wires and otherwise be physically separated fromthe server, or the game units can be physically coupled to the server.The game units can include appropriate network software to implementrequired communication protocols, as is well known to those skilled inthe art.

Alternatively, the server 108 can be provided in one of the game units10, or a server can be included in each game unit 10 and linked to eachother by busses 110. Additional game units 10 can also be coupled to theserver similar to game units 10 a and 10 b. Game units 10 a and 10 b canalternatively be directly coupled to each other without the use of aserver 108.

In addition, one or more separate prize selection units 11 can also becoupled to server 108 and/or to game units 10 a and 10 b in the gamesystem 100. Unit 11 allows a player to select a prize in the redemptionsystem using prize credits won from playing a game in the redemptionsystem. Unit 11 can be an apparatus similar to game unit 10 or 50 exceptthat it need not offer any games for players to play. The prizeselection unit 11 can receive a player's prize credit information fromserver 108 or a game unit 10 a or 10 b and display a prize selectionmenu on a display screen as described with reference to FIG. 6. Theplayer can select one or more prizes using input controls of the prizeselection unit, such as a track ball, a mouse, buttons, a keyboard, andthe like. The prize selection unit can then dispense a specific prizeticket, order a prize from a prize distributor, dispense a prize fromits own storage area, and the like. Alternatively, the unit 11 caninclude a reading apparatus that accepts a storage medium from a player,such as a smart card. The unit can thus read a player's prize creditsfrom the storage medium and allow a player to select a prize.

In one embodiment of FIG. 3, the game units 10 a and 10 b and server 108are an “intra-site” gaming system, i.e., the units and server areprovided at a single location or gaming environment. For example, alocal area network (LAN) can be implemented at the particular site tolink only those game units at that site, and where the server 108 is acentral computer or game apparatus that stores central data andcoordinates prize information, networked game processes and/ortournaments. Or, existing phone lines or other network lines can be usedto connect to a dedicated server that is used only to implement thegames and tournaments at the single site. For example, a server 108 canbe accessed by game units 10 a and 10 b using a modem and phone lines orTV cable lines, but the server 108 need not be connected to a largescale network (such as the Internet). Also, the game units and servercan be networked at a single site using an “Intranet” that utilizes thesame well-known protocols of the Internet, which is discussed in greaterdetail below. This allows Intranets to use the same or similar servermachine software and client machine software as are used in Internetapplications.

Server 108 is used to coordinate games among one or more individual gameunits and/or provide information to linked game units. For example, theserver can be used to control a networked game, where players onseparate game units are simultaneously competing. For instance, a firstplayer that is playing a first person, point-of-view, virtual realityvideo game on one game unit 10 a can interact in “real time” with asecond player of a second game unit 10 b who is also playing the samegame. The first player can view a computer-generated object that iscontrolled by the second player, and vice-versa. Alternatively,“non-real-time” games with players taking turns can be provided. Theimplementation of such networked games is well known to those skilled inthe art. Many players can be included in such a networked game, from 2to hundreds or even thousands of players. Players can simultaneouslycompete to first achieve a goal or a predetermined task in the game thatwill win them a specific prize ticket or universal tickets fromdispensers 20 or 22. Server 108 can also be used to store a variety ofgames in electronic form and to download a game to a game unit 10 a or10 b when that game is selected by a player of the game unit. The gamewould then typically be executed locally to the game unit 10 a or 10 bby game processor 12. Alternatively, if the network transmits dataquickly enough, the server 108 can execute a game and send and receiveappropriate data between the server and game units.

Alternatively, game system 100 can be provided as an “inter-site”system, where one gaming environment or “site” can be linked to gameunits 10 at other gaming environments or sites (such as a bar down thestreet, or a bar across the world) to allow additional numbers ofplayers to interact and/or compete in networked games, tournaments, andthe like. Thus, for example, server 108 with game units 10 a and 10 b atone site can be linked to a different server 108 and game units atanother site. For example, game units 10 or 50 at different sites can beconveniently linked through a private wide area network (WAN) or anexisting global network such as the Internet and/or the World Wide Web(described below), where the communication between different gameapparatuses is accomplished using telephone lines, ISDN lines,direct-connect data lines, fiber optic lines, cellular phone or pagerwireless receiver/transmitter devices, and/or other types ofcommunication devices and channels. The network can be a standardizednetwork, such as Ethernet, and the game apparatuses can communicateusing well-known network protocols, such as TCP/IP, IPX, or otherstandards. Each site may include its own server 108, which is linked toservers 108 at other sites. Also, each server may be linked to one ormore centralized servers at “central sites” which can coordinateinformation, rules, and the like between sites. Alternatively, each sitemay include only game units that are connected to one or morecentralized servers located external to the game environments atdifferent sites.

For example, a server 108 can be provided at each site and additionalsites where games are desired to participate in the present prizeredemption system, networked game, or tournament. Each server can sendperiodic update signals to other linked servers so that each server hasthe most current information regarding prizes, the state of a game, thenumber of participants in a tournament, the current tournament score, orother related information.

Game units 10 a and 10 b can likewise be linked to other types ofcomputing and electrical devices through communication devices 24.Centralized servers 108 can monitor and coordinate games for severalgame units. A network connection to an existing large-scale networkallows the game units 10 to be additionally used as terminals forplayers or other members of the public to access information over thenetwork. For example, track ball 62 of game unit 50 can conveniently beused by a player to move a cursor displayed on screen 54 to selectdifferent links to the World Wide Web, to either play a game or accessinformation-related services.

The networked game units 10 a and 10 b and server 108 can be used toimplement a centralized prize distribution system in the redemptionsystem of the present invention. A list of available prizes and theirprize costs can be stored on a server 108 or a centralized server 108 asdescribed above, and this information and be accessed by game units 10 aand 10 b when needed. A prize selection menu can be retrieved by gameunits in the redemption system, as described in greater detail below.

The game system 100 can also be used to provide networked games betweenplayers of different game units 10, such as the real-time and non-realtime games described above. In one embodiment, a new player mightapproach a particular game unit 10 and view a list of players displayedby game processor 12, which are currently playing games on gameapparatuses that arc linked to the particular game apparatus. The newplayer can select a game in that list to join that networked game orstart up a new, networked game of his own and wait for additionalplayers to join.

Game system 100 is also well suited to implement tournament games. Inone embodiment, a tournament can be implemented on a single game unit10, where players successively play games on the single game unit 10,and where each player's score or performance is stored, for example, inmemory such as RAM 30 or on a different storage device coupled to thesingle game unit. Servers 108 are also well-suited for tournament gameembodiments. The single game unit 10 can be coupled to a separatetournament server 108, or the tournament server can be physicallyincluded within the game unit 10.

In another embodiment, linked or networked game units 10 a and 10 bprovide a much larger base of participants in a tournament. A player mayparticipate in the tournament from any game unit 10 a or 10 b that isconnected to other game units in the tournament. Game units 10 a and 10b in a tournament can be provided and linked together at one site asdescribed above, and can also be linked to server 108. Similarly, othergame units at different sites can also be linked together and/or to aserver 108. Server 108 may coordinate prizes between game units, ordetermine a tournament prize 112 at the conclusion of a tournament,similar to the embodiment 100 described above.

The tournament is over after predetermined conditions have occurred,which is described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 7. Atournament prize 112 is provided to winning players of the tournamentwho are determined according to predetermined rules or methods asdescribed with respect to FIG. 8. The tournament prize can be cash,physical prizes, tickets or other vouchers (such as specific prizetickets), or other types of awards. The tournament prize can bedispensed to the player through an award-dispensing device of anindividual game unit 10, or provided to the player externally. Forexample, an operator of the game tournament can manually provide thetournament award to the winning players. Alternatively, a player may beremotely awarded the tournament prize from a prize distributor, e.g.,the player can be sent prizes through the mail or delivery service, aplayer's bank account can be credited, and the like.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment 100 of networked game system 100.System 100 includes a wide-area network (WAN) such as the Internet 130,and a number of game units 10 coupled to the Internet 130. For example,a first game unit 10 a, a second game unit 10 b, and a server 108, arecoupled to the Internet 130. Multiple servers 108 can also be providedwith access to Internet 130, which are accessible by other computers andcomponents connected to the Internet.

The Internet 130 includes a number of nodes 132 that are interconnectedby data transmission media 134. These nodes are typically routers,switches, and other intelligent data transmission apparatus, which route“packets” of TCP/IP information to the desired destination. In someinstances, the nodes 132 can comprise an Internet service provider (ISP)136, which allows a client machine to access the “backbone” of theInternet. Alternatively, client machines and web servers can be coupleddirectly into the backbone of the Internet. The nodes 132 are mostcommonly routers built, for example, by Cisco Systems of San Jose,Calif. The Internet service providers 136 are typically computers suchas workstations.

Game units 10 a and 10 b can be coupled to the Internet 130 with asuitable communication device, such as a network interface, a telephonemodem, a cable modem, and the like. The game units 10 a and 10 b can beconsidered, in the language of the Internet, to be “resources,” and gameunit can include its own unique Uniform Resource Locator or “URL.” Inone embodiment of the present invention, a client machine, such as gameunit 10 a or 10 b, sends a request for information, such as currentprize costs, tournament score and the like, residing on, for example,server 108. In some embodiments, the information on a server 108 or gameunit 10 can be publicly available to anyone with Internet and World WideWeb access; for example, the current tournament standings or prizesprovided by a game provider or operator can be posted on a “web page” onthe World Wide Web. A game unit or other requesting machine can send aconnection request and a URL, which specifies the address of the webpage to the server 108. The server 108 then sends a web page written in,for example, HTML format back to the requesting game unit or clientmachine, where it is “cached” in the memory (typically the RAM, harddisk, or a combination of the two) of the game unit or a client machine.In this embodiment of the invention, the image on a video display of thegame unit or client machine can be generated from the HTML web page filecached on the client machine. For example, a client machine can use aweb browser such as Netscape from Netscape Communications or InternetExplorer from Microsoft Corp.

A game unit 10 a or 10 b may also request information such as a prizeselection menu, as described below with respect to FIGS. 6 b and 6 c.The prize selection menu can be implemented as a “web page” in HTML, orother standard formats. The most recently-updated prizes and their prizecosts would be downloaded to client game units with the web page so thatplayers could select desired prizes using prize credits won duringprevious games. This embodiment is suitable for game units 10 a and 10 bthat are situated in public places as well as non-public places, such asthe homes of players. In addition, game unit 10 c can be coupled toInternet 130 similar to game units 10 a and 10 b. Game unit 10 c can becoupled to another game unit 10 d by a LAN or another communicationnetwork.

In other embodiments, other well-known Internet protocols or languagescan be implemented on servers 108, game units 10 and client machines.For example, information can be sent in Java from Sun Microsystems,ActiveX from Microsoft, and/or the Virtual Reality Modeling Language(VRML) in addition to HTML.

Using Internet 130 or a similar WAN, players at home can participate andinteract in network games, prize redemption systems, and tournamentswith players that are playing a game unit at a particular gamingenvironment such as a bar or arcade. In another aspect, a first gameunit, such as game unit 10 a, and a second game unit, such as game unit10 b, may directly communicate with each other in standard TCP/IPprotocol over the Internet 130. More particularly, game unit 10 a cansend information to the URL of the game unit 10 b, and the game unit 10b can send information in standard TCP/IP packets to the URL of the gameunit 10 a. In this way, players of game unit 10 a and game unit 10 b candirectly interact in games over the Internet 130. Of course, a server108 can likewise directly communicate information to a game unit 10 a or10 b, or both units and the server can all interact.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred process 250 of thepresent invention for implementing a redemption system of the presentinvention on one or more individual game units 10 in the process ofplaying a game. The present process is also suitable for the embodimentsof the game system 10 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, and canalso be applied to other embodiments as desired. Process 250 can beimplemented by game processor 12 or other processors coupled to the gameunit. The process begins at 252, and, in a step 254, the process checkswhether monetary input has been detected, such as coins, tokens, creditcards, debit cards, and the like. Game processor 12 preferably storesmonetary input in various categories so the operator can determine theamount of money earned by different games in particular time periods,and whether tournaments or single games earned more money. If nomonetary input is detected, the process continues to check for monetaryinput. Once monetary input is detected in step 254, the processcontinues to step 256, where a game and/or information selection fromthe player is received and the appropriate selected game is selectedfrom memory by the game unit 10. For example, in one preferredembodiment, the game console 50 as shown in FIG. 2 offers several typesof games that can all be played on the same console 50. In otherembodiments, only one type of game is offered per game unit. Informationcan also be selected about the offered games, prizes, events, and thelike

One example of a display shell 270 on display screen 56 of the gameconsole is shown in FIG. 5 a. A number of options and displays areprovided for a player, including game selections 272, a main displaywindow 274, and other information options 276. A player can select agame by pressing a touch-sensitive screen at the location of the gamebuttons 272, or by moving a pointer over a game selection with trackball 62 or other control and pressing a button 60, for example, toselect the desired game. Available games of the described embodimentinclude arcade action type games, in which a player's dexterity mayinfluence the outcome of the game and thus may influence the game score;card games, in which cards can be provided randomly and a player canselect and arrange cards according to game strategies; and quiz games,in which a player is typically provided questions to answer.Combinations of these types of games and a variety of other types ofgames can also be provided. Other available games can be displayed andselected using arrows 273. Visual feedback from a selected game ispreferably displayed in main display window 274 and can also bedisplayed in other windows or areas of display screen 56. In otherembodiments, electromechanical games can be provided, in which gameaction is implemented with moving mechanical parts or components such asdirected playing pieces (balls, rings, coins, and the like), tiltingsurfaces, moving targets, and the like, and may or may not include adisplay screen 56 with a display shell 270. Such electromechanical gamescan include coin or ball roll down games, basketball games, rotatingpointer games, and the like.

Initial display 270 also shows a number of other controls 276 which aplayer may similarly select to obtain information about other aspects ofthe redemption system. Help button 278 provides information to theplayer about how to win and choose prizes, how to accumulate prizecredits, how to play the various offered games, and the like. Highscores button 280 provides the high scores of players for each type ofgame that has played on the displaying game console 50. Tourney leadersbutton 282 displays a screen of the current tournaments being providedand the current leaders in those tournaments. The tourney leaders screenis described with reference to FIG. 8 a. Win cash button 284 providesthe player with instructions and options on how to win money playinggames. Other win and prize information can be similarly provided. Thecollect prize button 286, when selected, provides a player with a prize,such as a specific prize ticket, universal redemption tickets, or anactual prize. A prize display screen in connection with button 286 isdescribed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6 a.

Other displays are also provided on initial display screen 270. Gamecredits display 288 displays how many game credits the player has left,which typically corresponds to how much monetary input the player hasprovided (e.g., number of coins). Each game credit is equal to a fixedmonetary value, such as 25 cents. Typically, each game offered on gameunit 10 requires a predetermined number of game credits to play, andthis number can vary depending on the type of game played and theoptions selected for a game. In some embodiments, a player can storegame credits and retrieve/use game credits from previous game sessionsif a “game credit account” is implemented for the player, similar to theprize credit account described subsequently. Also, bonus or free gamecredits can be provided in a variety of circumstances, such as insertinga $5 bill into the game unit, previously winning a game credit prize, asa promotional exercise, and the like

Prize credits display 290 shows the number of tickets (also referred toas “prize credits” or “ticket credits” herein) that the player has won.These prize credits may have been won by the player after the mostrecent game or during the current game session, and/or can include prizecredits stored up over previous game sessions. A “game session” is acontinuous use of the game unit by the player and may include one ormore games played; for public game units, the game session may end whenthe player leaves the game unit. For implementations on a single gameunit 10, prize credits may have been won by the player during previousgame sessions when playing the game unit and the player did not exchangethem for a prize (i.e., the player is “saving up” prize credits). Insome embodiments, the individual game unit can store these previouslywon prize credits in a “credit account” with a player ID (name, address,ID number, and the like). In networked embodiments, such as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the server 108 can store the prize credits won by aplayer over previous game sessions and can send this information to anindividual game unit when requested by the game unit, e.g., when theplayer associated with a credit account plays a game on the game unit.Thus, a player can access his or her credit account by playing anyindividual game unit connected to the server that stores that player'scredit account information. In multi-server embodiments, the multipleservers can communicate the credit account information to each other sothat the player can access his or her prize credits from any linked gameunit.

Two or more players can also play games simultaneously, alternating, andthe like on a game unit 10. In such a case, each player can be providedwith a separate prize credit display 290 to indicate that player'swinnings (and also a separate game credits display 288, if desired).Alternatively, the multiple players can compete for a single prizecredit amount shown in display 290.

Initial display 270 also includes a display window 292 which can providethe player with messages concerning prizes, options, tournamentinformation, and the like. For example, a message can scroll through thewindow in a right-to-left direction. Specific prizes winnable during aparticular game can also be advertised or displayed in window 292. Mainwindow 274 can also display game or prize related information,advertisements, promotions, and the like when no games are being played(or during game play, if desired).

A credit betting selector 271 allows a player to “bet” additional gamecredits for a game to potentially increase the number of prize creditswon for a game. For example, each time the player selects selector 271,the game credits applied to a particular game can be increased by one.Preferably, the more game credits a player applies towards a game, thegreater the potential award. For example, two game credits applied to agame that normally only requires one will double the player's prizecredits won for a particular game score. In other embodiments, thesecond applied game credit might triple, quadruple, and the like, theprize credits won.

In alternate embodiments, the player may also be required to input someform of identification to access certain features of the game unit 10,such as a credit account storing previously-accumulated prize credits, atournament, prizes to be sent to the player's address, and the like. Oneconvenient way to receive the player's identification is to require thatplayers provide monetary input in the form of a credit card, a debitcard, an ATM card and PIN number, a smart card, and the like, whichincludes an electronic form of identification. Alternatively, a playercan enter a password or other ID using input controls 16.

Referring back to FIG. 5, once the game and information selection ismade by the player in step 256, the process continues to step 260, wherethe process checks for a redemption-type selection from the player. Inthe described embodiment, the player is offered a choice as to prizeoptions when playing a game. The player can either choose to play aprize credit game (i.e., non-tournament game), where the player receivesprize credits and/or specific prizes based on the score and otheroutcomes of the game; or, the player can choose to participate in atournament when playing the selected game. In the described embodiment,a tournament player does not receive any prize credits based on gamescore but instead competes for a tournament prize with other players inthe tournament, i.e., the player's score is placed on a tournament listof scores. If the player chooses the prize credit game, the processcontinues to step 264 to implement the credit game. This is described ingreater detail with respect to FIG. 6. If the player chooses thetournament game, the process continues to step 266, where the tournamentgame is implemented. The tournament game is described in greater detailwith respect to FIG. 7. The availability of specific prizes andtournament play on the game unit 10 tends to cause greater playerinterest and involvement and thus increases the game's earnings. Inother embodiments, a player can win prize credits and specific prizesduring a tournament game as well as a prize credit game. After step 264or 266, the process returns to step 254.

In some embodiments, players can also be required to meet certainconditions before participating in a credit game or a tournament. Forexample, a player can be required to play a predetermined number ofgames (e.g., five) on a game unit 10 before being allowed to participatein a tournament. A certain percentage of the money received from thispredetermined number of games can be allocated to purchasing prizes forthe winners or top players of the tournament. The number of times theplayer has played can be stored with a player identification on astorage device or in memory or at a central database accessible by gameapparatus 100. Alternatively, the player must play the required numberof games at one sitting before being allowed to participate in thetournament. Or, the player might be simply required to input a minimumamount of game credits (equivalent to playing a predetermined number ofnon-tournament games) to participate in a tournament.

An example of a selection screen allowing the player to choose the typeof redemption game is shown in FIG. 5 b. Main window 274 displaysinformation about the selected game, which in this example is “QuizShow.” By selecting one of the buttons 304, the player can select aprize credit game or a tournament game (the 1 and 2 player buttonspreferably both select credit games). Other information can also beprovided, such as a jackpot amount 306. As described in U.S. Pat. No.5,292,127, a progressive bonus jackpot can be available to a player whoachieves a progressive goal during a game. The jackpot amount 306informs the player how many prize credits would be won as a progressivebonus award when a progressive goal is achieved during the game. Theprogressive bonus award was contributed to by previous players of gameunit 10 and/or other linked game units. In some embodiments, the playercan choose an option whether to play a game having a progressive bonusaward available, or play a game not having a progressive award. Theinformation displayed on main window 274 about a game, such as shown inFIG. 5 b, can also be provided when the player selects the help button278.

Between or during games, game units 10 such as game console 50 candisplay other information, such as promotions or advertisements. Suchadvertisements can include still shots, animation, movies, sound, andthe like. For example, FIG. 5 c shows a promotion for a bar advertisinga particular future event at a bar to promote further interest fromplayers. Other similar promotions can include, for example, a “happyhour” when products are free or reduced in price, a sporting event suchas a football game, and the like. Preferably, the game unit 10 providesa simple interface to allow the operator to easily input promotionalinformation.

Advertisements sponsored by companies, prize providers, or other sourcescan also be displayed and, in another aspect of the present invention,can be directly related to prize or game information. For example, FIG.5 d shows a beer advertisement for a particular sponsor. This sponsormay have contributed to prizes available to players on the advertisinggame unit 10, so that the advertisement has a direct relation to prizesand can thus increase the effectiveness of such advertising. Forexample, windows 274 and/or 292 can display promotions such as “Win 25%off a six pack of beer” which might be won as a specific prize during agame on game unit 10. A dispensed specific prize ticket can include abar code, which the player can exchange as a coupon in a store toreceive the stated discount on that particular brand of beer. A sponsormight also supply free games for players in exchange for displayingadvertisements, or may simply pay the game operator for advertisingtime. Thus, using the linked advertising and prize redemption systemdisclosed herein, multiple revenue streams from advertisers are offeredto a game operator and also offer the sponsors more effectiveadvertising.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the prize credit (non-tournament)game implementation of step 264 of FIG. 5. The process begins at a step320, and in step 322, a game process is implemented. Once the playerselects a start control, the game begins and proceeds according to astandard game process as modified by player input. For example, in a“Scud Attack” game, oncoming missiles are displayed on display screen56, which the player attempts to destroy using track ball 62 and buttons60, as is well known to those skilled in the art. In a solitaire game,cards are displayed on the display screen 56 and the player selectscards to place over other cards according to the rules of the game. In aquiz game, the player answers displayed questions using buttons 60 orother input controls. Many other types of games can also be provided asgame unit 10 for use with the redemption system, such as mechanical rolldown games, target games, and the like In step 324, the process checksif the game is over; if not, the game process is continued in step 322.

Once the game is over, the process checks in step 326 whether the playerhas won a specific prize (the process can also check for specific prizewinnings during the game). If no specific prizes have been won, theprocess continues to step 328 to credit tickets (or prize credits) tothe player or to the player's account, if such is implemented. Theamount of prize credits already in the player's account was accumulatedduring previous games played by the player. The prize credits won fromthe current game are added to any existing credit balance, and the totalis displayed to the player. As described above, the credit account canbe implemented on storage devices such as memory, hard disk, and thelike, either local to the individual game unit, or on a connected serverthat links multiple game units. In some embodiments, a connected server108 can be used only for credit account functionality, or it may also bea tournament server having tournament functionality. In the examples ofFIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the total prize credits available to the player aredisplayed in window 290. In other embodiments, the player onlyaccumulates prize credits during a single play session that continues aslong as the player has additional credits to play (e.g., the player caninsert additional monetary input during or between games to continueaccumulating prize credits during a single play session).

FIG. 6 a illustrates an example display of score and prize credits(shows as “tickets”) won by a player after a game is over. The score 362of the game is displayed, followed by an optional speed bonus 364, whichprovides a modification to game score based on the time taken to playthe game. For example, in some types of games, the shorter the timetaken to complete a goal, the greater is the skill of the player. Ascore of higher value is awarded to reflect this necessary higher skill.In the described embodiment, a multiplier is applied to the score toachieve a total score 366. The total score is converted to a number ofprize credits or tickets 347 that the player won; for example, apredetermined number can be divided into the total score to achieve anumber of tickets that is about equivalent to the player's score interms of prize value in the scale of prizes offered by the redemptionsystem. The number of game credits played 370 is the amount of monetaryinput provided by the player to play a single game; in the describedembodiment, the number of game credits inserted for a game acts as amultiplier for the tickets won from that game. Thus, the total number oftickets 372 is the number of game credits 348 multiplied by the wontickets 347. The total number of tickets 372 can be added to anypreexisting ticket balance of the player, if appropriate. In alternateembodiments, there need not be a conversion of score points to prizecredits; a game can simply have a game score in terms of prize creditsor tickets.

In next step 330, the process checks whether the player wishes to choosea prize with his or her prize credits. If not, the player can simply endhis or her game, with the newly-won prize credits added to his or hercredit account that is stored on the game unit or a server (ifapplicable). Alternatively, the player can be dispensed a record,medium, or physical token in step 332 which allows them to retain theirwinnings externally to the game unit and redemption system. For example,as in traditional redemption game arcades, the player can be dispensed anumber of paper tickets proportional to the game score and/orproportional to the total prize credits won. Alternatively, the playercan be dispensed a printed form, a receipt or a stub by a printer, whichindicates the amount of prize credits won. In yet other embodiments, theplayer can insert some form of electronic, optical or magnetic storagemedium, such as a debit card, magnetic disk, and the like, into anappropriate reading device on the game unit. The amount of prize creditscan then be written on the storage medium by the game unit, and theplayer would retrieve the medium. Once the player received a record oftheir prize credit winnings, the game unit would no longer have anyrecord of those winnings. These latter methods may be the only way for aplayer to save up prize credits in embodiments that do not provide astored credit account for each player. The process is then complete at342.

If, in step 330, the player wishes to choose one or more prizes with hisor her prize credits, then the process continues to step 334, where aprize selection screen is displayed. This screen provides a list ofprizes that are available to players within the redemption system of thepresent invention. The prizes are defined and organized completelywithin the system of the game unit so that the operator does not have todisplay physical prizes to players in the gaming environment in aseparate booth or dispenser. In gaming systems that incorporate bothgame units 10 and servers 108, the prizes are organized within thesystem of game units and any connected servers. After the player has wonprize credits, the player can conveniently select one or more prizesfrom a list presented on the screen, where all the information necessaryis provided to the player. Thus, all redemption of prize credits forprizes is performed electronically. This allows an operator to have muchgreater influence and control over the prizes that are available and thedesired profitability of the redemption games. For example, theredemption system of the present invention allows players to selecttheir prizes on the same game apparatus which the player played thegame, and thus allows the system to automatically and continuouslyupdate prize costs and specific prize win ratios according to monitoredplayer performance to maintain a desired profitability of the gameunits. The prize system is described from the system's and operator'spoint of view with respect to FIG. 9.

The prize selection menu is preferably displayed on the display screenof the game unit 10 or 50, but may also be displayed on output devicesof other apparatuses, such as prize selection unit 11, server 108,client machines to the Internet, and the like When game unit 10 is anelectromechanical game or other game typically not including a displayscreen, then a player will typically be required to select prizes from aseparate unit 11 or similar device.

In step 336, the player inputs a selection of one or more prizes fromthe displayed list. Preferably, the player can select a desired prizeusing a touch screen, track ball 62, a pointer, or other an inputdevice. Once the prize selection is received, step 337 is implemented,in which a specific prize ticket is printed and provided to the player,and the process is then completed at 342. The specific prize ticketpreferably includes a depiction of the prize or prizes selected by theplayer. Multiple prizes can be depicted on a single specific prizeticket, or a separate specific prize ticket can be dispensed for eachprize selected. Thus, in effect, the prize selected by the playerthrough prize credits can be considered a specific prize or “instantprize” at this point in the process. Specific prizes are described ingreater detail with reference to co-pending parent application Ser. No.08/628,490. The specific prize ticket may be redeemed at an appropriateexchange center for the actual prize. For example, a prize exchangebooth can be provided at a gaming environment such as an arcade or bar,where an operator keeps an inventory of prizes and exchanges appropriateprizes for specific prize tickets. In other embodiments, the player caninsert a card having the specific prize ticket information into avending machine. In still other embodiments, the player can mail thespecific prize ticket to a prize distributor.

Alternatively, the prize information describing which prize the playerhas selected is not printed on a specific prize ticket but is insteadelectronically routed to a distributor or to a dispenser directly over anetwork or other communication link. For example, in some embodiments,prizes can be delivered to a player from a central prize location, suchas a warehouse. The selected prize information could thus be sent outvia a network from the game unit to eventually be accessed by the prizedistributors, who would send the desired prize to the player's addressor would send the prize to the location where the player played theindividual game unit so that the player could pick up the prize.Alternatively, the specific prize information can be written inelectronic form to a medium such as a card, disk, and the like, wherethe player can remove the medium and claim prizes at a differentapparatus able to read the medium.

If the player has won a specific prize or “instant prize” in step 326,then the process continues to step 338, where the specific prize won isdetermined and displayed. Specific prizes can be provided in a varietyof different ways. Specific prize goals during a game can be offered toallow the player to win a specific prize (rather than prize credits) byachieving a goal requiring skill (dexterity, experience, and the like)of the player, such as moving a controlled object to a specific target,choosing a particular combination of cards, and the like. Alternatively,a specific prize goal can be met based partially or wholly on random orstatistical chance. The specific prizes that can be won during a gameare preferably displayed to the player so that the player knows how towin the specific prizes. Also, once the player has achieved a specificprize goal, the actual specific prize won can be determined inpredetermined fashion or randomly from a prize table or other list ofmultiple, possible, specific prizes. The determination of a specificprize from a table is described in greater detail with respect to FIGS.9 and 9 a. Specific prizes and winning specific prizes are described ingreater detail in co-pending parent patent application Ser. No.08/628,490.

After or as the “won specific prize” is displayed in step 338, aspecific prize ticket is dispensed to the player in step 340, which isdescribed above with reference to step 337. The specific prize ticketincludes a designation, such as a written description and/or picture ofthe prize won, so that the player may redeem the specific prize ticketfor the desired prize. The process then continues to step 328, asdescribed above.

It should be noted that a player may win both a specific prize ticketand may also win prize credits during a game of FIG. 6. For example, theplayer can achieve a specific prize goal during a game and win thespecific prize, as well as scoring points and adding to a game score towin prize credits. Thus, after (or during) a game, the player canreceive a specific prize in steps 337, 338 and 340, and also choose aprize in steps 334 and 336 based on prize credits won.

In alternate embodiments, actual prizes can be dispensed from the gameunit 10 or from a dispensing apparatus that is located in the gamingenvironment. If available prizes are all small toys, cards, or the like,then the prizes can be stored in the dispenser, and an appropriate prizecorresponding to the player's selection can be dispensed.

FIG. 6 b illustrates an example of a prize selection menu used in step334 of FIG. 6. Main display window 274 provides a list 344 of prizes andalso includes a prize cost or value 347 for each displayed prize.Additional prizes that may not fit within the dimensions of the displayscreen 56 can be viewed by selecting page controls 345. In the describedembodiment, a prize is identified by a text name/description in a tableformat. In other embodiments, other text information related to theprize can also be provided, as well as pictorial descriptions of prizes,as shown in FIG. 6 c.

A player can select any of the prizes for which he or she has enoughprize credits as shown by window 346. Preferably, indicators 343 areprovided to indicate which prizes can be “purchased” by the player withhis or her current prize credit balance. Indicators 343 can take a widevariety of forms in alternate embodiments. A player selects a prize itemusing an input device, after which the selected prize is highlighted ormarked to distinguish it from the other prizes in the list, as shown byhighlighted prize 348 and check box 349. The player indicates to thegame unit that a selection is finalized by selecting the collect prizebutton 286.

In the preferred embodiment, the entire list of available prizes isdisplayed regardless of whether the player can afford the prizes withhis or her current prize credits. This allows the player to view thewhole range of prizes and decide whether to redeem a prize at thepresent time or to save prize credits and, after playing additionalgames, redeeming a prize of greater worth with a greater number of prizecredits. In another embodiment, only prizes, which the player can affordwith his or her current prize credit balance are displayed by the gameunit.

In other embodiments, a hierarchical prize menu system is implemented,in which categories of prizes are initially displayed and allow a playerto select categories and sub-categories within the categories to narrowthe choice of available prizes. For example, a player might select a“sporting goods” category to have a choice of sports prizes such asbasketballs or other balls, athletic shoes, sporting goods equipment,and the like, and then select a sub-category of “baseball” to narrow thechoices to baseball-related prizes. This is useful when a large numberof prizes are offered by the redemption system.

In response to the selection of a prize by the player, the gameprocessor 12 in a preferred embodiment commands the dispenser 22 toprint out a specific prize ticket 62 that may be exchanged for theselected prize (and, preferably, no other prize). Thus, by allowing aplayer to select prizes using the game unit 50, no physical universaltickets 60 need be dispensed to the player. The only physical ticketneeded by the player is the specific prize ticket 62 that can beexchanged for the actual prize. Alternatively, if the player does notwant any of the displayed prizes, the player can opt to receive anamount of physical tickets from dispenser 22 or 20 equivalent to theprize credits won by the player. Or, the player might decide to useprize credits to “buy” additional games on a game unit 10, e.g., convertprize credits to game credits. Those bought game credits can then bestored in a “game credit account”, if desired.

In addition, the operator can easily reconfigure the prize list 344 asrequired. For example, if a particular type of prize is out of stock,the operator can remove that prize from the list 344 so it is notoffered to players. If a new type of prize is being offered, theoperator can add prize items to the list 344. Adjustment of prizes isdescribed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 9.

The prize list 344 offers advertisers a way to link available prizes toadvertisements displayed on the game unit. For example, a particularbrand of fast food might be advertised on display screen 54 betweengames and promoted by informing players that that brand of food isavailable as a prize for playing the game. When prize list 344 isdisplayed after a game, items of the advertised brand of food, such as“McDonald's Big Mac” or “Burger King Whopper”, are presented asselectable prizes, thus enhancing the advertising effect on the player.

In some embodiments, the player can optionally select a “save tickets”option in the prize selection screen (or the prize credits are saved inthe player's account automatically), which will store the amount ofprize credits won on a local or a remote storage device as well asidentification information to associate the winnings with that player(name, address, and the like). For example, the prize credit informationcan be stored in a special account for the player that is kept by theoperator of the gaming environment, by a more centralized service, or bythe player himself on a writeable medium such as a smart card or aprinted ticket. When the player next plays a game apparatus that hasaccess to the amount of prize credits previously won, the player can addany present winnings to previously stored winnings in the account andthus be able to exchange the combined amount of prize credits for a morevaluable prize.

FIG. 6 c shows an example graphical prize selection menu 350 for analternate embodiment of the present invention that allows a player toselect prizes from game unit 50, 10, or other embodiments disclosedherein. Menu 350 can be displayed on display screen 56 or a differentoutput device of the game unit.

Menu 350 portrays various prizes that are available to be exchanged forprize credits. Each prize can be displayed in its own selection box 352.A description 354 of each prize can include the name of the prize and/orany other information related to the prize. Pictorial information 356preferably portrays each prize accurately and realistically to theplayer. Prize costs 358 preferably indicate the required number of prizecredits to be redeemed for the player to receive the prize. The playercan preferably select a displayed prize by moving a cursor or indicatoronto a box 352 or otherwise marking a specific box 352. For example, acurrently-selected box 352 a can be shown highlighted, in a differentcolor, in inverse video, and the like. The player can press a button 60or other controls to select the desired prize. Or, the player mightselect a control such as arrows 360 to display a different “page” ofprizes on the display screen 56. The menu 350 can be displayed in avariety of formats and layouts in other embodiments.

In other embodiments of graphical prize menu 350, a 3-D environment canbe simulated for the player to “explore.” For example, a menuimplemented in VRML over the Internet can allow a player to enter 3-D“rooms” and view 3-D visual representations of prizes, as they wouldrealistically appear.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating step 266 of FIG. 5, in which atournament game is implemented. Tournaments can be implemented using asingle game unit 10 or using networked game units as described above.Players from gaming environments in several different locations can thusinteract or compete simultaneously in offered games, or over apredetermined time period during which the tournament is open toplayers. Such large-scale, networked tournaments can be administered andprovided by services completely independent of the local gamingenvironment operator. For example, an independent tournament organizingservice can implement a tournament from a central server computer thatis linked to the participating game apparatuses. The local operatormight get a percentage of the proceeds from the tournament for allowinggame units 10 at his location to participate. The various optionsconcerning tournaments, as discussed below, can be adjusted by theoperator or prize provider, preferably by using a tournament table asshown with respect to FIG. 9 a.

The process begins at step 382. In step 384, at least a portion of themonetary input from the player is directed to a tournament prize. Thetournament prize is contributed to by all of the players in thetournament. Thus, since it represents multiple contributions, thetournament prize can be worth much more than any specific prize a playermight win from a single game, similarly to a progressive bonus scoredescribed above. For example, a game may cost $1 that the player inputsinto the game. A portion of this monetary input, such as 50 cents, isapplied as a fee to play the game, like a normal redemption or arcadegame. The other portion, 50 cents in this example, is applied to thetournament prize. Thus, each time this particular game is played in thetournament by any player, 50 cents is contributed to the tournamentprize. This type of apportioning of the cost of the game allows part ofthe earnings of the game to be provided to the owner of the arcade orother location where the games are made available to the public, andalso lets part of the earnings be apportioned to a tournament prizeprovider, who can be a separate entity from the arcade owner oroperator.

In yet other embodiments, the tournament prize value can be increased ordetermined using other or additional criteria besides monetary input.For example, the tournament score's value might be based on the numberof players in the tournament, the duration of the tournament, apredetermined number, the number of goals achieved during thetournament, and the like.

The tournament prize can be an actual physical prize, such as acomputer, stereo, and the like; or the tournament prize can be in a formof currency, such as prize credits, vouchers, or cash that areexchangeable for other prizes. For example, the tournament prize can beindicated in terms of monetary units, such as dollars and cents. Inother embodiments, the tournament prize can be expressed as a number ofpoints that have a correspondence to the amount of monetary valuecontributed to the tournament score by the game unit 10 a or 10 b. Forexample, every dollar of monetary value contributed by a game unit canbe expressed as 10 points of a tournament prize. Or, a tournament prizecan be expressed in terms prize credits used on the individual gameunits 10 a and 10 b, allowing a winning player to select prizes using agame unit's usual prize selecting mechanism, described above withreference to FIGS. 6, 6 b and 6 c.

Since the tournament prize may be continually growing, its value mustcontinually be updated so that players will know the most current prizevalue for which they are competing is displayed by the game unit. Fortournaments implemented on one game unit, the only contributions in thetournament are received on that game unit, so the tournament prize issimply increased when a player on that game unit joins the tournament.On multi-game systems, the current tournament prize information is sentout to all the individual game units able to participate in thetournament. One or more servers can be used as described above, or gameunits can be interconnected and relay any updates to the tournamentprize to each other.

In next step 386, a game process is implemented by the game unit,similar to step 322 of FIG. 6. In step 388, the process checks whetherthe game is over. If not, step 386 is implemented until the game isover. In next step 390, the results of the game and any other necessaryinformation are added to a tournament list. The tournament listpreferably includes all the players in the tournament by name or otheridentification and their associated game scores. In other embodiments,additional information can also be stored in the tournament list, whichcan be used to help determine a winner or to provide statisticalinformation for the operator of the tournament. For example, the timethe player took to play a game, the number of times a player hasparticipated in similar previous tournaments, and the like

If a server 108 is being implemented, then the tournament list istypically stored on the tournament server. The game unit thus sends thegame score to the tournament server over a network link. If thetournament is being implemented on a single game unit, the tournamentlist can be stored locally on that game unit.

In some tournament embodiments, a player's identification need not beknown. Each game score can be stored in the tournament list with anassociated ID verifier that is assigned to the game score by the gameunit or linked server. The ID verifier can be a number, a word, asymbol, and the like that is randomly generated or determined accordingto a predetermined pattern. Once the ID verifier is determined, it isdisplayed to the player so that the player can later claim their gamescore. For example, a ticket can be dispensed to the player with the IDverifier on it. Once the tournament is over, the ID verifiers of thetournament-winning scores can be advertised, and the winning players canclaim the tournament prize by presenting their ticket or by otherwiseproviding their winning ID verifier to the prize provider.

In other tournament embodiments, the tournament list of scores may onlyinclude the top “n” game scores, where “n” is a predetermined number ofwinners. In such an embodiment, a game score is not stored on thetournament list unless it is greater than (or equal to) the lowestwinning game score already on the tournament list. Thus, the player neednot provide any identification if his or her game score is too low. If aplayer's game score currently qualifies to be on the tournament list,the player can provide identification. For example, the player mightthen enter his or her name, initials, and the like using an inputdevice. Of course, later player's scores might causepreviously-qualifying scores to be removed from the list when theprevious scores are no longer high enough.

In step 392, the process checks whether the tournament is over. Anindividual game unit 10 can check for tournament conclusion by, forexample, sending a request to a tournament server 108, which checks thetournament conditions and can send a response back to the individualgame unit. Or, tournament conditions can be checked by a game unitimplementing a tournament solely on that game unit.

There are several conditions, which can be set by the tournamentoperator to cause a tournament to conclude. A tournament can concludebased on time duration, number of players that have entered thetournament, amount or worth of the tournament prize, when apredetermined game score has been reached by one or more players; when apredetermined number of goals have been reached in participating games;when players/game units from predetermined locations have participated;when an event outside the tournament occurs (e.g., a football seasonends, a world series concludes, and the like); when a predeterminednumber of minimum scores are achieved by participants in the tournament,or other conditions; or, a combination of two or more of theseconditions can be applied.

For example, in a tournament server embodiment, a predetermined number,“n”, of players can be allowed to participate in a tournament. When thelast allowed player has finished a game, the tournament can beconcluded. The tournament server 108 can store the number of tournamentparticipants who have already completed their games and thus can easilydetermine when the “nth” player has participated. Other conditions canalso be checked; for example, a tournament might conclude based on acondition of time duration of the tournament, where the expired timesince the tournament began can be checked in step 392 (such a check canalso be made periodically by the game unit regardless of player activityon the game unit). For example, a tournament might last one week, andthen automatically end.

If the tournament is over in step 392, then the process performs step394, where the tournament is concluded as detailed with respect to FIG.8. The process is then complete at step 396. If the tournament is notover, then the process 380 is complete at step 396.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating step 394 of FIG. 7, in which atournament is concluded. The process begins at step 400, and in a step402, the tournament score is assigned to the top player or players inthe tournament list. Preferably, a predetermined number of the playerswith highest score in the list have “won” the tournament. For example,the top three players, as shown below in FIG. 8 b, can be awardedportions of the tournament prize.

The tournament prize can be divided among the top tournament players ina variety of ways. In one embodiment, a predetermined proportion of thetournament prize is provided to the top players; for example, firstplace receives 60%, second place receives 30%, and third place receives10% of the tournament prize. The operator or tournament organizer canpreferably alter these percentages as desired, as shown in FIG. 9 bbelow. Alternatively, the proportion can be determined by the differencebetween the top players' scores. For example, if the second placeplayer's score is very close to the first place player's score, thetournament prize can be divided almost equally between these twoplayers.

In step 404, the tournament results are communicated to individual gameunits that participated in the tournament. These tournament results canbe viewed by players to see who has won the tournament. Game operatorsand/or tournament prize providers are also informed which playersreceive the tournament prize. Players may be required to return to thegame unit 10 on which they played to see the tournament results and todetermine if they have won the tournament. Alternatively, the playermight check any game unit (or computing device) that was linked to thetournament information through network connections.

Winning players can actually receive their portion of the tournamentprize in several ways discussed above. For example, the prizes can besent to the winners, collecting the prize at the location where the gamewas played, receiving prize credits to select a prize using the prizemenu, and the like. A player that wins a tournament can also receive aspecific prize ticket that can be exchanged for a valuable prize, suchas a bicycle or $200 worth of merchandise at a related retailer. Thetournament prize offers another way for advertisers on game units 10 toprovide brand-related prizes to players and to enhance the advertisingeffect on players. For example, a bicycle company might advertise theirparticular brand of bicycle as a tournament prize.

In step 406, the tournament prize or score is reset. The process is thencomplete at step 408.

In other embodiments, after a tournament is concluded, a player may berequired to play additional games to determine a winner as, for example,in elimination-type tournaments where players compete in successiverounds and are eliminated from the tournament after losing apredetermined number of games.

FIG. 8 a is a tournament standings display screen, which is preferablydisplayed by the individual game unit after a selection of the tourneyleaders button 282 or after a tournament is complete. The tourneyleaders button 282 is shown highlighted in FIG. 8 b to indicate that ithas been selected. Main display window 274 displays a number of players,scores, and prizes for different games. For example, a tournament forthe game “Scud Attack” is currently ongoing, and the window 274 liststhe three players 420 who have so far achieved the highest scores in thetournament, the game scores 422 for each of the players, and the cashprize 424 that each player would win if the tournament were to concludewith the current standings. In alternate embodiments, winners of atournament can win prize credits or other prizes instead of cash. Whenthe tournament has concluded, the main window 274 preferably displays“TOURNAMENT ENDED” or similar information to indicate that a playercannot join the tournament. Similar tournament standings are displayedin window 274 for the game “Super Solitaire.” Tournament standings forother games can be displayed by selecting the next and previous pageindicators 426. Preferably, concluded tournaments that have ended withina previous predetermined time period (such as within the last week,month, and the like) are still available to be viewed by later playersof the game unit 10 to give them an idea of what types of scores aretypically achieved by players in a tournament game and the amounts ortypes of prizes won by players.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 440 of the presentinvention for allowing the operator of the game redemption system toadjust prize characteristics of the system. This process can beimplemented on a game unit 10 utilizing the game processor 12 and othercomponents; or, this process can be implemented on consoles, computers,or other terminals separate from the game unit. The separate unit canthen provide the prize table and other information to individual gameunits 10 over a network or other communication link; or, the operatorcan manually transport the prize information over a medium, such as amagnetic disk or other storage medium. The process begins at step 450,and in a step 452, a prize table is displayed for the operator.

FIG. 9 a is a diagram of an example of a prize table 480 for use withthe present invention that is displayed to the operator in step 452. Theprize table 480 is preferably displayed by a display screen, such asscreen 56 of game unit 10 or 50, so that the operator can adjust prizecharacteristics for that game unit and any linked game units, ifdesired. Alternatively, the prize table can be displayed on a separateoperator terminal, computer, server, or game unit that may be linked togame units 10. In such a system, the operator would modify the prizecharacteristics as desired and send any updated characteristics to alllinked (or all desired linked) game units over a network or othercommunication device.

Prize table 480 of the described embodiment includes a list of availableprizes 482; an actual cost 484 of each prize in list 482; the prizevalue 486 for each prize in list 482 in terms of prize credits ortickets; the specific prize win percentage 488 for each prize in list482, the prize credit global payout percentage 490; and the specificprize win percentage 492.

Prize list 482 includes a text name of each prize the operator wishes toinclude in the redemption system. Preferably, the operator can simplyselect a field of the table and enter a new prize name, change anexisting prize name, or delete existing prize names. The operator caninput this information using such input devices as a keyboard, a pointermechanism, a stylus, a tablet, and the like. Preferably, the operatorlists prizes from the least worth to the most worth; or, the system canautomatically sort the prizes in a preferred order. In alternate prizetable embodiments, the operator can enter an additional text descriptionfor a prize, such as physical dimensions, systems or standards withwhich the prize is used, the color, or other characteristics. In stillother embodiments, the operator enters a graphical description of aprize, such as a bitmap or other pictorial data format. For example, theoperator can upload a graphical file to the redemption system from apersonal computer. This would be more suitable for a redemption systemhaving a graphical prize selection screen for players, as shown in FIG.6 b. In some embodiments, the operator can provide descriptions ofparticular brands of prizes in prize list 482 in exchange for advertisermoney. The operator might also input specific advertisements to bedisplayed on game unit 10 and associate those ads to items in the prizelist 482. In such an embodiment, for example, the game unit 10 canexamine each prize item in prize list 482 and check if each prize itemhas an associated advertisement. If so, the advertisement can bedisplayed between or during games, along with the prize credit cost ofthe associated prize, if desired.

Actual cost field 484 lists the cost of the associated prize which theoperator or prize supplier has purchased and/or which the operatorssells. For example, a pizza may be sold to players for $15.00 in aparticular gaming environment, but the actual cost to the operator formaking the pizza may be $3.00, which is the price the operator wouldinput to the table. Similarly, the operator or prize supplier may beable to purchase prizes in bulk for a significant discount, and thatdiscounted price would be provided in the fields 484.

Prize cost field 486 lists the amount of prize credits that a playermust pay to receive or purchase the prize associated with the prizecost. These costs are displayed directly on the prize selection screenas described above. For example, to win a small pizza, a player musthave at least 600 tickets or prize credits in his or her account, and towin a video game console, 20,000 tickets are required. Thus, moreexpensive prizes can be won less often since they require greateramounts of prize credits to purchase. Expensive prizes such as a videogame, bicycle, and the like, typically cannot be bought from prizecredits won at one game session (unless, e.g., a progressive bonus scoreis received or they are won as specific prizes), so players will have tosave up prize credits for these prizes as discussed above. In thepreferred embodiment, the prize costs listed in fields 486 aredetermined by the redemption system based on other information that theoperator has input, such as actual cost and global payout. This isdescribed in greater detail subsequently. In addition, the operator mayenter a particular prize cost he or she wants to be associated with aprize, and other appropriate fields in prize table 480 are automaticallyadjusted by the redemption system, as discussed below.

Specific prize win ratio fields 488 list the individual prize ratios ofwinning the associated prizes as a specific prize or an “instant prize”during a game implemented by the game unit 10. In one embodiment, eachratio indicates that the particular specific prize will be won every“nth” game played on the game unit in which a specific prize goal wasmet, where “n” is the number listed in the fields 488. For example, if aspecific prize goal must be met to win a specific prize, then thespecific prize is awarded every “n” games in which the specific prizegoal was met. The specific prize goal may be met by skill of the playerduring a game (e.g., hitting a specific target or getting a certainscore), by random chance (e.g., a 10% chance each time a game is playedto win), or by a mixture of skill and chance.

Higher-valued prizes are won less often than lower valued prizes. Forexample, a small pizza will be won every 120 games played, while a videogame console will be won every 4000 games. Since only one of thespecific prizes should be awarded each time a specific prize goal ismet, the system preferably examines each prize in turn, starting withthe most valuable prize in the specific prize list 482. For example,whenever a game is played on game unit 10, a game counter isincremented. When a player wins a specific prize after a specific prizegoal is achieved in a game, the video console prize is first checked,i.e., the system checks whether the current game is the 4000th game(where the goal was met) since the video game console was last awardedto a player on this game unit 10 (or the 4,000th game since console wasawarded within the entire redemption system, i.e., among multiple gameunits 10). If so, the console is awarded. If not, the next most valuableprize in the table (e.g., the T-Shirt) is similarly checked. Thiscontinues until a prize in the table is selected. If none of the prizesare selected, then no prize can be awarded, or a default prize can beawarded as the specific prize; for example, in the described embodiment,10 prize credits (equivalent to the average number of prize creditsgiven out in a game) are awarded as a default prize. Alternatively, theratios can indicate that a particular specific prize will be won every“nth” game played, regardless of whether a specific prize goal was metin the games played.

Alternatively, the selection of a specific prize from the table 480 canbe based on random and/or statistical determination. For example, theindividual ratios 488 may indicate the chance of winning the particularlisted prize when a specific prize goal is met (the goal can be met byskill, chance, and the like). The game unit can start with the mostvaluable prize in the list as above and determine if that prize is to beawarded by generating a random number; for example, if a random numberbetween 1 and 4000 is “1”, then the video game console has been won andno further prizes need be checked. If that prize has not been won, thenext most valuable prize on the list is randomly checked, and so onuntil no prizes are left in the table to check, at which point a defaultprize can be awarded, or no prize at all. Specific prize selection froma table of prizes is also described in co-pending parent applicationSer. No. 08/628,490. In one embodiment, the random determination ofwhether a particular prize is to be awarded is also modified bystatistical information to create a “best fit” of prizes awardedaccording to the operator's desired odds; this is done to offset thesometimes undesirable results that purely random (or pseudo-random)determination provides. For example, every 8,000 games, two videoconsoles are to be awarded. If it is randomly determined that a thirdvideo console is to be awarded within, e.g., the 3,000th game, then adifferent prize can be awarded so that the desired odds are better met.For example, the next most valuable prize in the list can be awardedinstead of the video console, as long as awarding the next prize wouldfit the desired odds for that prize.

Similar to the prize cost fields 486, the specific prize ratios 488 areautomatically determined by the redemption system based on otheroperator input such as actual cost 484 and the specific prize global winratio 492, as discussed below. Also, the operator can enter a desiredwin ratio 488 for a particular prize, and other appropriate fields inthe prize table 480 are automatically adjusted to take into account theentered ratio. These processes are discussed in greater detail below.

The prize credit global payout percentage 490 is a separate field ofprize table 480 that allows an operator to view and to change a globalpayout percentage based on all of the prizes in the prize list 482,their actual cost 484, and their purchase cost 486. The term “payout”,as used herein, is intended to refer to any transfer of monetary valuegiven back to the player of the game apparatus or game system. Mostcommonly for redemption systems, payout is in the form of prizes, but itmay also be cash, unredeemed tickets, prize credits, and the like. Theoverall payout from a game during a time period should be subtractedfrom the total revenue of the game during that time period to determinehow much (net) profit the game made. Net profit can be furtherdetermined by subtracting any other costs accrued in providing the gamefrom the gross profit, such as rental or purchase fees of the game unit,maintenance/repair costs of the game unit, and other costs.

The prize payout percentage 490 indicates the payout of the game unit 10as a percentage of an operator's revenue from the game that the operatorwill pay back, on average, to players in the form of prize credits orprizes purchased using prize credits. For example, the 20% listed inFIG. 9 a indicates that 20% of all base revenue from all of the gamesplayed on a particular game unit 10 will be paid back in the form ofprize credits and prizes selected from prize credit winnings. In linkedgame embodiments, the percentage 490 can indicate that 20% of therevenue of all the games played on all of the linked game units will bein the form of payout. In the preferred embodiment, this percentagenumber in field 490 is entered by the operator, and the redemptionsystem will automatically adjust the prize cost 486 to achieve thatvalue. The operator can also select the buttons 491 to adjust the valueby 1% increments. Alternatively, the operator can adjust the prizepurchase cost as described above, and the global payout percentage 490will be appropriately adjusted by the redemption system. This isdiscussed in greater detail below.

The specific prize global payout percentage 492 is a separate field ofprize table 480, similar to field 490. Specific prize global field 492allows an operator to view and to change a global payout percentage thatis based on all of the prizes and prize ratios in fields 488. The payoutpercentage 492 indicates the percentage of an operator's revenue fromthe games that the operator will pay back, on average, to players in theform of specific prizes based on the ratios in fields 488. In thepreferred embodiment, this percentage number in field 492 is entered bythe operator, and the redemption system will automatically adjust theratios 488 to achieve the percentage value. The operator can also selectthe buttons 494 to adjust the value by 1% increments. Alternatively, theoperator can adjust the ratios as described above, and the globalspecific prize payout percentage 492 will be appropriately adjusted bythe redemption system. This is discussed in greater detail below.

In the preferred embodiment, the operator is intended to enter desiredpayout percentages in fields 490 and 492. When these two percentages areadded together, the resulting percentage shows what total percentage ofrevenue that the operator will be paying back to the players in totalprize credits and prizes. The operator can thus enter desired payoutpercentages to fit within his or her operating expenses and desiredprofitability of the game units 10. Since the redemption system willautomatically adjust prize costs and specific prize win ratios, theoperator need not be concerned with calculating his or her own prizecosts, as in previous redemption systems.

Referring back to FIG. 9, after the prize table has been displayed instep 452, the process continues to step 454, where the process checkswhether the operator has adjusted the prize name list 482 or actual costfields 484. If so, then in step 456, the global payout percentages 490and 492 and the fields 486 and 488 are adjusted according to therelationships described below based on any new actual cost valuesentered by the operator, and the process continues to step 478, wherethe process checks if the operator desired to exit the prize table. Ifnot, the process returns to step 454. If so, the process is complete atstep 476.

If no adjustments are made in step 454, the process continues to step458, where it is checked whether the operator wishes to access thetournament setup table (the tournament setup table can also be accesseddirectly, without accessing prize table 480). If so, the processreceives input to any of the fields in the table in step 460 andmodifies the tournament characteristics accordingly. This table isdescribed with reference to FIG. 9 b. The process then continues to step478.

If no tournament table is accessed, the process continues to step 462,in which the process checks if the operator has adjusted the prizeglobal payout in field 490. The operator can use a pointing device topoint to the field and then use a keyboard, or select buttons 491. Ifsuch an adjustment is made, the process continues to step 464, in whichthe prize cost 486 is adjusted, if necessary, to achieve the globalpayout entered by the operator.

The prize cost 486 is adjusted as follows. A prize cost is calculatedseparately for each prize listed in list 482. A prize actual cost, A,which is provided by the operator, is divided by the global payoutpercentage entered by the operator, P, where

R=A/P  (1)

The resulting value, R, represents the amount of revenue required toachieve the desired payout percentage. For example, a candy bar coststhe operator $0.30. To achieve a 20% payout on each candy bar, theoperator must take in 0.30/0.20=$1.50 on the game unit for each candybar prize thus awarded.

Once the required revenue, R, is determined for a particular prize, thenthe average number of prize credits or tickets, T, that are known to beawarded per game is determined (average ticket payout). It is possiblefor the game's manufacturer to adjust game difficulty so that, onaverage, a predetermined number of prize credits will be awarded foreach game played. For example, games often have a payout about 8-12tickets game, averaging about 10 per game. The difficulty and thus theaverage prize credits awarded per game can be adjusted using a varietyof techniques that depend on the type of game being played. For example,in an action game the speed of controlled objects, response of inputdevices, and the like, can be adjusted so that most players don'treceive a score higher than a particular value. In card games, thefrequencies of winning combinations of cards can be adjusted. In quizgames, the difficulty of the questions at various times during the gamecan be adjusted so that average players will typically win a certainnumber of prize credits per game. Durations of games, which have a fixedduration, can also be adjusted to achieve an average payout level ofprize credits.

After the game unit 10 has been in use for some time, the average numberof prize credits awarded per game, T, need not be estimated, but can beexactly determined and continually readjusted by monitoring each gameplayed on the unit 10, recording the number of prize credits awarded foreach game, and then averaging all the played games to obtain a preciseprize credit payout average. Previous game data can be stored in astorage device local to the game unit 10 or on a separate medium or aremote apparatus such as server 108. Thus, if it were found that theaverage game on a game unit 10 were actually paying out 12 prize creditsinstead of the initially estimated 10 prize credits, the prize costscould be adjusted accordingly with the present calculation method. Thisprovides the operator with current, accurate information about how muchprizes should cost in prize credits in order for the game unit toachieve a desired profitability. By having the redemption system of thepresent invention incorporated into game unit 10, this type of precisedata gathering on actual ticket payout percentages is possible, thusallowing prize costs to be accurately adjusted.

Preferably, one average ticket payout level, “T”, is calculated for allgames offered by game unit 10. Alternatively, each game offered by gameunit 10 can have its own “T” value tracked by the redemption system. Forexample, an action game might only award an average of 8 prize creditsper game, but a quiz game might award an average of 14 prize credits pergame. A separate “T” value can be tracked, and the prize costs can beadjusted in view of the particular game that was played by the player,e.g., if a game awarding a large average number of prize credits wereplayed, the prize costs might be slightly higher for prizes than forgames having a low-average number of prize credits awarded.

Once the average number of prize credits “T” awarded per game is known,this value can be converted to a value “V” using the cost per game “C”,where

V=T/C  (2)

For example, if the average number of prize credits awarded per game isT=10, and each game costs the player $0.25 (C=0.25), then 10/0.25=40prize credits are awarded for each dollar inserted by the player intothe game unit. “V” can be multiplied by the required revenue, “R”, toachieve the prize cost (PC) 486, such that

PC=R*V  (3)

In the example above, a required revenue, “R”, was determined to be$1.50. Thus, the desired prize cost, PC, required to achieve the desiredrevenue, “R”, is $1.50*40=60=PC. Thus, a player must pay 60 prizecredits from his or her credit account in order to receive a candy barprize. Other prize cost results for other prizes using these examplenumbers and known actual costs are shown in FIG. 9 a.

Combining the above relationships (1), (2) and (3) yields a succinctequation:

PC=(A*T)/(C*P)  (4)

Once the prize costs 486 have been adjusted in step 464, the processcontinues to step 478.

In step 466, the process checks whether the operator has adjusted thespecific prize global payout percentage 492. If not, the processcontinues to step 462. If so, step 468 is implemented. In step 468, theindividual, specific, prize win ratios 488 are adjusted to achieve thedesired global percentage 492 input by the operator.

The individual ratios 488 are adjusted as follows. A formula can be usedto determine the individual ratios, as shown:

B=M*A  (5)

where the B is the number that follows the “1 in” in the individualratios 488 (e.g., “1 in 18”, B=18), “M” is a multiplier, and “A” is theactual cost of the particular prize as shown in fields 484. Themultiplier, “M”, can be determined by another relationship:

M=(N*H)/(P*C)  (6)

where “N” is the number of specific prizes in the list 482, “P” is theglobal payout percentage entered in field 492, “C” is the cost per gameon the game unit, and “H” is the hit ratio for specific prize goals onthe game unit. The “hit ratio” is the fraction of games played, onaverage, in which a specific prize goal is met and thus a specific prizeis won. The hit ratio can be an average chance that an independentskilled task will be completed by the player and a specific prize won;alternatively, if no skilled task need be completed to win a specificprize, then the hit ratio can be the random or statistical chance that aspecific prize is awarded during a game. Initially, the hit ratio isdetermined by the game developer, since the game developer can adjustthe difficulty of the specific prize goal so that a “hit” occurs after apredetermined average number of games, similar to adjusting averageawarded prize credits.

An estimated hit ratio as determined, for example, by the game developeris initially used in the above calculation of equation (6). Inembodiments having skilled specific prize goals, once the game unit 10has been played one or more times by actual players (e.g., after 100times), the system can automatically adjust the hit ratio to the actualwin frequency determined from the players' use of the game unit 10 by,for example, storing the number of games played and the number of timesthe specific prize goal was hit. This is similar to the determination ofaverage awarded prize credits “T” in step 456 above. For example, if itis determined that the specific prize goal was hit 11 times over 100games, then the hit ratio is more accurately provided as 11% rather thanthe 10% initially estimated. This actual hit ratio would then be used inthe calculation of equation (6).

As an example, the operator enters a specific prize global payoutpercentage, “P”, of 10%. The number of specific prizes “N” in table 480is 10, the cost per game is $0.25, and the hit ratio is 10%. Themultiplier, “M”, of equation (6) is thus determined as(10*0.1)/(0.1*0.25)=40. Thus, for a small pizza having an actual cost of$3.00, B=40*3.00=120. Thus, the individual ratio 488 for the small pizzawould be 1 in 120. A ratio for a larger prize such as the video gameconsole (A $100) would be 1 in (40*100)=1 in 4000.

In the preferred embodiment, each offered game is normalized to thedesired specific prize ratios based on the frequency of playersachieving the specific prize goal. The redemption system may perform thenormalization by applying separate hit ratios for each game offered ongame unit 10. For example, some games may have much different hit ratiosthan other games depending on the nature of the game action, randomness,and the like, and the difficulty of the specific prize goal. The hitratio for a specific prize should thus reflect the difficulty inachieving a specific prize goal for a particular game. In a game unitsystem, all the types of games offered by all linked game units in thesystem can have a unique hit ratio used for determining an individualratio 488.

A “base” hit ratio can be determined for one of the games offered ongame unit 10. The ratios stored in fields 488 of the prize table 480 canbe determined based on this base hit ratio. In addition, in thedescribed embodiment, a “normalization factor” can be stored and usedfor each game offered by the game unit 10 (or for each game within theredemption system or offered all linked game units). The normalizationfactor indicates how much an individual ratio 488 should be adjustedbased on the particular game played. For example, see Table 1.

TABLE 1 NORMALIZATION GAME FACTOR Scud Attack 1 Solitaire 2 Quiz 0.5 Fun21 0.33

When a specific prize goal is met by a player and the system determinesthe specific prize (e.g., step 338 of FIG. 6), the game unit 10 (orserver) multiplies the ratios 488 in the prize table by thenormalization factor for the game played. Thus, if the played game has ahit ratio equal to one-half the base hit ratio (i.e., normalizationfactor=0.5), such as the “Quiz” game in Table 1, then the ratios 488 aremultiplied by 0.5 before the specific prize is determined. However, whena game having a hit ratio equal to the base hit ratio is played, theratios 488 need not be adjusted.

Base hit ratio and normalization factors can be estimated initially.After a number of games have been played on a game unit 10, thenormalization factor for each game can be based on the actual hit ratiodetermined for each game. The redemption system separately keeps trackof actual hit ratios for each game offered on game unit 10 by recordingthe number of games (for each type of game) and the amount of thespecific prize goals met.

In some embodiments, specific prize ratios 488 are only displayed to anoperator in prize table 480. In other embodiments, the ratios 488 can beshown to players so that they can determine the odds of winningavailable prizes. After determining individual ratios 488, the processcontinues to step 478.

In step 470, the process checks if the operator has adjusted the prizecost field 486 of any of the listed prizes. Operators having moreadvanced knowledge of offered prizes, and desired prize costs are thusable to affect the profitability of the game apparatus to a fine degree.An operator may want to reduce an individual prize cost to cause thatprize to be selected more often by players, thus serving topromote/advertise a prize or brand name, or reduce excess inventory ofthat prize. Similarly, an operator may want to increase a prize cost tocause that prize to be selected less frequently by players than otherprizes. If no adjustment to prize costs is made, the process continuesto step 474. If an adjustment is made, then in step 472, the globalpayout 490 of the prizes is adjusted in accordance with theoperator-changed prize costs. In performing this step, the samemathematical relationships can be used as described above for step 464,except that the global payout percentage “P” is solved. For purposes ofthis step, each prize in the table can be considered to have its ownpayout percentage. Thus, payout percentage “P” is calculated for thoseprizes that the operator changed the prize cost, and the unchangedprizes are assumed to have the old payout percentage. An average globalpayout percentage can then be obtained by adding all the individualpayout percentages and dividing by the number of prizes. This averagepayout percentage would then be displayed in field 490 of the prizetable. The process then continues to step 478.

For example, in table 480 of FIG. 9 a, the operator changes the VideoGame Consol prize to cost 10,000 prize credits instead of 20,000. Anindividual payout percentage for the video game console is calculated,using the relationships of step 464, to be P=40%. The unchanged prizeseach have a payout P=20%, so that the averaged payout percentage wouldbe (9*20%+40%)/10=22%, which would be displayed in field 490 as theglobal payout percentage. This averaged payout percentage determinedafter an operator has changed prize costs is not as accurate as theprize cost-payout percentage relation obtained in step 464, especiallyif players choose the prize having the changed cost more or less oftenthan other prizes. However, the averaged percentage provides theoperator with an estimate of payout that is accurate enough for mostpurposes.

In step 474, the process checks if the operator has adjusted theindividual specific prize ratios 488. Similarly to the prize costs ofstep 472, the operator may change individual specific prize win ratiosto exert a greater degree of control over a game's or a prize's payoutand profitability. If such a change is made, then in step 476, theprocess adjusts the specific prize global payout percentage 492accordingly.

In the described embodiment, the specific prize global payout isadjusted as follows. The relationships of step 468 can be arranged tosolve for an individual payout, “P” when the ratio “B” is changed for aparticular prize. When “P” is solved in such a fashion, the number ofprizes N is equal to 1 in Equation (6) since an “individual” payout isbeing calculated only for the changed prize. Once the individual payout,“P”, is known for the changed prize, it is summed with the individualpayouts for the other prizes in table 480 to achieve the global winpayout percentage 492. For example, using the table 480 of FIG. 9 a, ifthe operator changes the individual win ratio of the T-Shirt from 1 in160 to 1 in 100, then the individual payout P for the T-Shirt would be(N*H*A)/(B*C)=(1*0.1*4.00)/(100*0.25)=0.016 has an individual payout ofP=1% (which can be determined by dividing the global percentage 492 bythe number of prizes “N,” or by using the relationships of step 468).Thus, the new specific prize global payout percentage is equal to9*1%+1.6%=10.6%, which is displayed in field 492. The process thencontinues to step 478.

If no operator adjustment is made to the ratios 488, or after step 476,the process continues to step 478, where it is checked if the prizetable is exited. If not, the process returns to step 454, and if so, theprocess is complete at step 480.

It should be noted that, in the foregoing explanation, the process hasbeen described as if the checking steps 454, 458, 462, 466, 470, 474,and 478 are serially executed. However, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, in practice such a serial checking method is notspecifically required. Rather, in practice, the various describedchecking steps can be simultaneously checking for the describedconditions, and functions (e.g., steps 456, 460, 464, 468, 472, and 476)can be call routines, which are executed when called.

In the described embodiment, the prizes in list 482 are eligible to beawarded both as credit prizes and as specific prizes during or after agame played on the game unit 10. In the preferred embodiment, theoperator may also choose particular prizes to be unavailable as creditprize and/or to be unavailable as a specific prize. In the describedembodiment, the operator inputs a flag, such as “0”, “NA”, or othersymbol, in the fields associated with those prizes, which the operatorwishes to make unavailable. For example, if the operator does not wishto allow players to buy a T-Shirt prize with prize credits on the prizeselection screen of FIG. 6 b, the operator can put an “NA” (NotAvailable) symbol or characters in the field 486 corresponding to theT-Shirt. Similarly, if the operator does not wish the T-shirt to beavailable as a specific prize during any game, then the operator enters“NA” in the field 488 corresponding to that prize. Alternatively,separate lists 482 of prizes can be provided for credit prizes and forspecific prizes.

In an alternative embodiment, prize table 480 can receive input fromservers or other computers, operators, or prize distributors (such as a“national prize center”) at remote sites or nodes over a network orother communication device instead of a single operator. This receivedinformation can include the prize list 482, actual cost 484, and/or anyother information in prize table 480. For example, the list of prizes482 can be sent periodically as a “prize catalog” from a prizedistributor or supplier, which offers an up-to-date listing of allavailable prizes and thus reflects the current prize inventory of theprize distributor. After receiving the list of prizes, the operatorcould then enter the desired global payout percentages 490 and 492; orthis payout information can be received from a central location as well,such as a franchise headquarters. Information in prize table 480 can bestored locally, or by the central location and be downloaded whenneeded. After the player selects a prize from the prize selection menu,the selection information can be sent to the prize distributor over thenetwork, and the player can be mailed his or her selected prize from theprize supplier. This may be more convenient for operators, especiallywhen large prizes, such as bicycles, are won by players. If the prize ismailed, the prize supplier would typically require an address of theplayer where the selected prize can be sent to. The player can manuallyenter the requested address information in game unit 10 using an inputdevice, or the address information might automatically be entered whenthe player provides monetary input to game apparatus 50 through the useof a credit or a debit card or a similar electronic identification.Alternatively, the prize can be mailed to the gaming environment, wherethe player can pick up the prize from the operator.

Such a system of receiving the list of prizes and other information froma remote source also is suitable for redemption systems having multiplelinked games, such as the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4. The same prizelist can be provided to all games in the redemption system from acentral prize database stored on a server or other storage device, thusproviding uniformity of the types of prizes offered to games in a gamingenvironment or over a larger region.

In alternate embodiments, each type of game offered on game unit 10 canbe associated with its own distinct prize table 480, having its owndesired level of payout and profitability, its own list of availableprizes, and the like.

The ability of the operator to change the prizes available to be won ona game apparatus in the present invention provides the operator with agreat deal of flexibility in offering and coordinating a redemptionsystem, which can be tailored to a specific type of location. Forexample, an operator can provide a different set of available prizes foreach different type of offered game or game apparatus in one location orat different locations. Thus, a player of a card type game oriented foradults might be able to select from prizes including a deck of cards,cash, an alcoholic drink, or other related prizes, while a player of agame oriented for children might be able to select from prizes includingtoys, candy, or stuffed animals. Furthermore, the operator can designateparticular game apparatuses in a gaming environment as “special” gamesthat offer a specialized prize list having prizes of greater value, moreselection, and the like, that are different from other prizes availablefrom other games at the gaming environment. This type of wide-rangingand differing prize availability on different games and game units in asingle game environment would be far too time-consuming and complex toimplement using traditional redemption systems.

FIG. 9 b is a diagram showing a tournament setup table 490 for enteringtournament characteristics by the operator, prize distributor, or othersource. Table 490 includes a column 492 of the available games on thegame unit 10 or in the redemption system. For each of these games, thereare several characteristics of listed fields in table 490 which arereceptive to operator input and adjustment. Tournament On/Off field 494allows the operator to provide a tournament option for designated games,and to turn “off” the tournament for specified games when desired. Somegames may not ever be suitable or desired for tournament play, and canhave a “not available” selection. Games required field 496 indicates thenumber of non-tournament game credits, which the player is required toinsert before being eligible for a tournament for that game. Forexample, after three game credits are inserted, the player has theoption to participate in a “Scud Attack” tournament (if offered). Theoperator can provide a zero value in field 496, if desired to allowplayers to participate in tournaments at will. Cost per game field 498indicates the number of coins (or cents, dollars, game credits, and thelike) that each game normally costs to play.

Percentage field 500 indicates the percentage of income from the playerto the game unit 10 will be used as a contribution to the tournamentprize. In effect, this is a “payout” percentage similar to thepercentages 490 and 492 of prize table 480 showing how much of therevenue of a tournament is paid back to players, and thus allows andoperator to designate a desired level of payout and profitability of thetournaments. (The seed money in field 502 should also be added to thepayout value to determine total payout.) In the described embodiment,this percentage is the amount of cash that is contributed to thetournament prize, where the tournament prize is cash. In otherembodiments, the tournament prize can be prize credits, specific prizes,or other prizes having a value, where the value of the tournament prizedepends on percentage value 500.

Seed money field 502 provides the operator with a starting value of thetournament prize and may be adjusted as desired. Thus, if only a fewplayers participate in a tournament, and few contributions are made tothe tournament prize, there will still be some incentive to win sincethe player can win the seed tournament prize. Place percentage fields504 allow the operator to designate how the value of the tournamentprize is to be divided up among the top players in the tournament. Theoperator can designate the percentage of the prize going to the firstplace winner, second place winner, and the like. Additional placewinners past 5th place can also be designated, if desired.

Start date field 506, start time field 508, end date field 510, and endtime field 512 indicate when the designated tournaments will be held.The operator can designate particular time periods for tournaments; whenthe end date and time have expired, no further players can participatein the tournament, and the tournament prize is divided up among the topplayers. In other embodiments, additional description fields can beprovided to allow the operator to designate holiday periods, sportsseasons, a certain time period of every day, month, or year, or otherperiods that cannot be conveniently specified in a single time range.Repeat tournament field 514 allows the operator to select whether aparticular game's tournament will be automatically repeated once theprevious tournament has ended. Alternate fields might also be providedto designate further conditions concerning when or how tournaments willrepeat.

Of course, additional fields can be provided in tournament table 490 toallow the operator to designate further characteristics of tournaments,such as additional conditions to cause a tournament to conclude (asdiscussed above in FIG. 7), participation based on predefinedcharacteristics (age, member of a group or club, “preferred customer”status, whether they have achieved a “tournament goal” in a game, andthe like), providing various skill levels or handicaps, and providingspecial tournaments with different prizes and conditions. As for theprize table 480, some or all of the fields can be manually input by theoperator, or remotely input by operators, a linked server, or othersource.

The tournament table 490 allows the operator further control indetermining available prizes, options, and profitability of theredemption system of the present invention. Furthermore, the ease of useof the tournament table 490 allows the operator to spend a minimalamount of time defining desired tournament characteristics andprofitability.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments,it is contemplated that alterations, permutations, and equivalentsthereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a readingof the specification and study of the drawings. For example, many typesof games can be provided for use with the disclosed redemption system.The redemption system can be implemented on a single game unit or amongmultiple connected game units, with or without use of a server. Variousgoals can be attempted by players in a game to win prize credits,specific prizes, or tournament prizes. The provision of prizes toplayers can be achieved in many ways, including specific prize ticketsor coupons, sending a prize to a player, or electronically indicating toan operator the prizes won and/or selected by a player. It is thereforeintended that the following claims include all such alterations,permutations, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the present invention, which isadapted for allowing redemption of prizes won while playing games on aplurality of networked game apparatuses. As shown in FIG. 10, a widearea network 600, i.e. the Internet, interconnects a plurality of gameapparatuses 602 for facilitating a prize redemption system. Such gameapparatuses 602 are each adapted for displaying a user interface, whichin turn allows a user to play a plurality of games. Also included is aprize database server 104, adapted for connecting to the gameapparatuses 602 via the wide area network 600 for communication via aprotocol such as TCP/IP or IPX. As an option, the prize database server604 may also function at least in part as a game apparatus 602.

In use, a user identification code is received by the prize databaseserver 604 from the game apparatuses 602 that corresponds to the user.After play of a game is complete, an indication of an outcome of thegame is also received by the prize database server 604. The prizedatabase server 604 also tracks a number of prize credits awarded theuser based on the outcome of the present game and/or previous games.Further, the prize database server 604 functions to allow redemption ofthe prize credits for a prize. With continuing reference to FIG. 10, atleast some of the game apparatuses 602 include dedicated game units 606which are commonly used in combination with televisions or are portablein nature for the sole purpose of playing various games. Such dedicatedgame units 606 may include a NINTENDO, SEGA or SONY game unit, or a gameimplemented on a personal digital assistant, such as a PALM PILOT.

In one embodiment, the dedicated game units 606 each include a modem toconnect with the wide-area network for communication purposes. In thealternative, the dedicated game units may each include a removablecartridge 608 which may or may not contain one or more specific games,and also allow storage of information, i.e., an identification code andan indication of an outcome of the game. Such cartridges 608 may furtherbe adapted for being releasably received in a specially-adapted portsuch as a DEXDRIVE connected to a computer which is in turn connectablewith the wide-area network 100 for communication purposes. In the caseof a personal digital assistant such as a PALM PILOT, a HOTSYNC modulemay be used to communicate information with the computer.

In another embodiment, at least some of the game apparatuses 602 includedesktop or laptop computers 610 each having a modem to connect with thewide-area network 600 for communication purposes. In still yet anotherembodiment, at least some of the game apparatuses 602 include servers612 for allowing communication with a plurality of computers 610 via thewide-area network 600.

As an option, some of the game apparatuses may include stand-alone unitscapable of printing prize credits in the form of tickets, coupons,magnetically-readable cards, cards with bar-codes, or any other type of“smart” card, which may be redeemable at the site of the game apparatus.More information on such game apparatuses may be had by reference toU.S. Pat. No. 5,292,127, by Kelly et al., which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety. It should be noted that the variousaforementioned game apparatuses may be used in any combination.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of one of the aforementioned computers610. As shown, input devices 700 may be used by a player or user toprovide input to the game unit to influence game events during a gameprocess and to achieve one or more predetermined goals or tasks forscoring points and winning prizes or other types of awards. The inputdevices 700 can also be used to select prizes within the redemptionsystem of the present invention. Alternatively, separate input controlscan be used for the prize functions of the game unit.

Player input typically includes game commands provided by controllingdevices such as buttons, a keyboard, dials, a joystick controls, a touchscreen, a track ball, a mouse, a gun device, a steering wheel, footpedals, speech input through a microphone, or any other input used inplaying a game and providing selections. For example, the player canmove a joystick to control a graphical object displayed on a videoscreen. Each type of user input can provide a particular game command tothe computer, and the computer interprets the commands and influencesgame states and game events in the game process accordingly.

With continuing reference to FIG. 11, the computer 610 receives signalsand commands from the player input devices 700 and translates/interpretsthose signals and commands so that the game process can be updated. Thecomputer 610 preferably includes a microprocessor 702, random accessmemory (RAM) 704, read-only memory (ROM) 706, and input/output (I/O)710. Microprocessor 702 can be any processor or controller with featuressufficient to control the game apparatus. For example, a suitablemicroprocessor 702 for many mechanical game applications is the Intel8031 8-bit microprocessor, which includes eight data lines and sixteenaddress lines. Alternatively, more powerful microprocessors, such asPentium-class/Power PC class microprocessors, or specialized graphicalor digital signal processors, can be used. Microprocessor 702 executes aprocess, described by software instructions stored in memory, whichrecognizes a game command from player input devices 700. The softwareinstructions can be stored in a “computer readable medium”, which, byway of example, includes memory, such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks, amagnetic tape, optically-readable media, such as CD ROMs, semiconductormemory, such as memory chips or PCMCIA cards, and the like. In eachcase, the medium may take the form of a portable item such as a smalldisk, a diskette, a cassette, a memory module, and the like, or it maytake the form of a relatively larger or immobile item, such as a harddisk drive.

Microprocessor 702 is coupled to RAM 704 by a data (D)/address(A)/control (C) bus 708 to permit the use of the RAM 704 for scratch-padmemory and other functions during a game process. ROM 806 is preferablyan erasable, programmable read-only memory (EPROM) that contains thestart-up instructions and operating system for the microprocessor 702.Methods for coupling RAM 704 and ROM 706 to the microprocessor 702 bybus 708 including data, address, and control lines are well-known tothose skilled in the art.

I/O 710 includes buffers, drivers, ports, registers, and other analogand/or digital circuitry to interface inputs and outputs with the bus208. Game output devices 712 and input devices 200 can be coupled to I/O710. For example, a display screen can be coupled to I/O 710 so that themicroprocessor or another video processor can control the display ofimages on the display screen, as is well known to those skilled in theart.

The computer can include plug-in interface cards such as video cards,3-D graphics cards, sound cards, controller cards, and the like.Standard peripherals can be coupled to the I/O 710 as input devices 700and output devices 712, such as a CD-ROM drive, a storage device (floppydisk drive, hard disk drive, and the like), PCMCIA card, a printer, astylus and tablet, a microphone for voice recognition, a camera, or acommunication device.

FIG. 12 is a functional diagram illustrating an overview of theinteraction among various users, computers, servers, business entities,and the like during the course of use of the present invention. Asshown, in one embodiment, a user utilizes a game apparatus, i.e. acomputer, for directly or indirectly accessing a server, which providesa plurality of games in operation 800. In one embodiment, the user mayaccess the game server via any particular related or unrelated hostingweb site. Next, in operation 802, the user logs on, purchases credits(optional), and plays a game provided by the server. During the courseof the game, any prize credits earned are deposited in an account of theuser, as indicated in operation 804.

With continuing reference to FIG. 12, the user is notified of any prizecredits that may have resulted from the play of the game, as indicatedin operation 806. Thereafter, in operation 808, the user may again usethe game apparatus to access the prize database server, which may or maynot be separate from the game server. An account of the user is thenchecked to verify a current number of prize credits available. (Seeoperation 810.) Then, in operation 812, the game database orders anyprizes selected by the user from a prize vendor. The prize is thendelivered to the user in operation 814. In the case where a prize creditthat represents a specific prize is awarded in operation 816, the prizedatabase server does not require any selection prior to ordering inoperation 812.

Any monetary gain resulting from the method of the present invention maybe distributed in various ways. For example, an owner of a hosting website may be compensated for providing access to the games via thehosting web site. (Note operation 818.) Further, a developer of thegames may be compensated in operation 820. The prize vendor may alsoreceive funds for cost of prizes, shipping, handling, and the like inoperation 822.

FIG. 13 illustrates a functional diagram showing some of the userinterfaces, supporting software, and hardware associated with analteration of the flowchart in FIG. 12. In terms of hardware, a server900 is shown to include software having a game settings cartridge 902,an advertising cartridge 904, and a prize redemption cartridge 906. Itshould be understood that any of the foregoing cartridges may beexecuted from separate servers.

In use, a user interface 905, i.e. web page, of a hosting web siteallows access to a game interface 907 via the game settings cartridge902 of the server 900. In contrast to operation 802 of the method ofFIG. 12, the present alternate method does not require the user to logon or purchase credits. Instead, funding is afforded by advertising thatis provided during the course of the game by way of the advertisingcartridge 904. Upon winning a number of prize credits, the user is thenforwarded to a prize redemption interface 909 governed by the prizeredemption cartridge 906.

When access is gained to the prize redemption interface 909, the user isrequired to log on via a log-on interface 911, unless, of course, theuser is already logged on. Thereafter, a confirmation interface 910 isdisplayed for indicating that the prize has been delivered. As anoption, a “cookie” may be placed on the computer of the user inoperation 912.

FIG. 13A is a general functional diagram illustrating the operation ofthe prize database server of the present invention. Irrespective ofwhether the present invention is implemented in the manner shown in FIG.12 or FIG. 13, or any other manner, the prize database server may carryout fundamental operations. In particular, the prize database server isadapted for allowing redemption of prizes resulting from playing gameson a plurality of networked game apparatuses.

To accomplish this, the prize database server is capable of connectingto the game apparatuses via a wide-area network, i.e., the Internet, orany other communication system in operation 950. Upon the connectionbeing established, the prize database server receives a useridentification code from the game apparatuses that corresponds to theuser in operation 952. Also received is an indication of an outcome of agame or games upon the user playing the game(s). (Note operation 954.)The prize database server also tracks a number of prize credits awardedthe user based on the outcome of the game in addition to allowingredemption of the prize credits for a prize, as indicated in operations956 and 958, respectively.

FIG. 14 illustrates software that may be resident in one of the gameapparatuses mentioned hereinabove. Client-side software 1001 is shown toinclude an activator module 1000, a communicator module 1002, and abuffer module 1004 which are adapted to interface with a game module1006, a modem 1008, and internal storage 1010 among other components ofthe game apparatus. Together, the foregoing software componentsconstitute an application program interface (API) that may be accessedvia a C++ dll for Win32 games and obfuscated Java class(es) for Javaapplet games.

Also shown is server-side software 1012. The server-side software isshown to include a secure credit card transaction module 1014, ashopping module 1016, an advertising module 1018, a redemption module1020, and a payment server 1022 which may be interconnected with any ofthe game apparatuses via a web server 1024 and an associated firewall1026. A plurality of supporting servers 1028 may also be included perthe desires of the user.

In order for the process of FIG. 12 to be effectively carried out,variables, or game settings, must be transmitted to the game apparatusesfrom the server and further identification codes and game outcomes mustbe transmitted to the server from the game apparatuses.

Examples of the game settings include a table of prize credits awardedin terms of various game outcomes possible on the game. For instance, 10prize credits may be awarded for every 1000 points earned during play ofthe game. Yet another example of game settings may include the enablingor disabling of various features of the game based on the geographiclocation of the user as indicated by the identification code. It shouldbe noted that the transmission of the identification codes and gameoutcomes to the game server is critical for tracking the prize creditsawarded a user when prize redemption is desired. Further examples ofgame settings, identification codes, and other information that may beexchanged for various purposes will be set forth hereinafter in greaterdetail.

To accomplish the foregoing exchange of information, the activatormodule 1000 is adapted to interface with the game module 1006 andrequest information from the communicator module 1002 as needed. At thetime of each request, the activator module 1000 identifies the gamemodule 1006 to the communicator module 1002 for purposes that will soonbecome apparent later. As such, the activator module 1000 isspecifically tailored for use with the corresponding game. For securitypurposes, additional information relative to the game developer may bestored on the game server.

The communicator module 1002 in turn makes numerous calls forinformation from the server. Such calls are made over the modem. Inorder to accommodate situations where a connection cannot be made withthe game server or a connection is lost temporarily, various featuresare afforded. First, upon the receipt of information from the serverresulting from a call, such information is stored in internal storage,which may constitute any type of memory. As such, when a connection tothe server cannot be made, the game settings may be retrieved directlyfrom the internal storage. Further, the communicator module 1002 may beadapted to manually or automatically connect with the serverperiodically or on any other time frame for synchronization purposes.Since the present invention may be used with many types of games andcommunication with the game server may some times be compromised, it ispreferred that a minimum amount of calculations be performed on the gameapparatus itself. Instead, information is received from the gameapparatus by way of the API, calculated by the game server, andtransmitted back to the game apparatus. Further, the communicator module1002 may be capable of requesting core assets from the game server forstorage on the client computer. Such core assets may be used universallywith any type of game and include universal graphics, playing cards,sound affects, mahjongg tiles, sound effects, graphics, and the like.The core assets would only need to be downloaded once and may beupdated, deleted or supplemented, as needed.

The calls that may be executed by the API in order to communicatenecessary information will now be discussed. Such function may actuallyinclude a plurality of URL-based calls. The calls may correctly formatthe data, connect to the server, send information to the game serverusing secure sockets layer (SSL), and then correctly format the returncode and any data that was returned to it from the server. Thecommunication layer is responsible for formatting parameters and formaintaining as many internal variables as possible. This shields thegame module 1006 from continuously having to pass the same parameters.The game module 1006 is responsible, however, for appropriately handlingreturn codes returned from the server.

Some examples of calls will now be set forth:

getGameSettings: This function takes a few different forms. First, if itis called from a Java applet game, then it is safe to assume the playeris connected to a network, i.e. the Internet, in which case it is safeto retrieve game settings from the game server regardless if the game isbeing played in a demonstration (play-for-fun) mode or a pay-to-playmode. Any other kind of game requires default game settings to be usedif in the demonstration mode. Any game in the pay-to-play mode assumesit is safe to query the server to get game settings. The data isspecific to each game and is returned in the form of name-value pairs(e.y.g. “PointsLevel 1=10”). The game apparatus is responsible forextracting the value for each known piece of data. This call is alsoused to validate the game version. Games are not allowed to continue ifthey are not the latest version. This helps to ensure reliableredemption play.

beginGame: The present call may or may not be available in games playedin the demonstration mode. With this call, the server is given thenumber of credits to be played and attempts to debit the player'saccount. Prior to doing so, however, the server determines whether theplayer has any specific business rules that prevent him from playing.When the player has been successfully validated and his account has beendebited, the server adds a row to a table in a database indicating thathe has started the game, and then returns the appropriate return code tothe game apparatus.

endGame: The present call may or may not be available in games played inthe demonstration mode. The present call is sent to the prize databaseserver to provide game data including end time and score. This data isused to update the database row that was added when the game wasstarted. The score is fed into the points-to-prize credits conversiontable to determine if any award should be given. The present call alsoprompts the prize credits in the player's account to be appropriatelychanged. getNextInstaPrizes: The present call may or may not beavailable in games played in the demonstration mode. The present call issent to the prize database server to obtain a description and uniqueprize ID of the next specific prize. The redemption engine on the servergenerates this data. All next specific prizes are predetermined based onthe previous prize and reside locally on the game apparatus. The servernotes the prize ID in order to validate against the wonlnstaprize call.

wonInstaPrize: The present call may or may not be available in gamesplayed in the demonstration mode. The present call is used when aspecific prize is won at which time the prize ID of the specific prizeis sent to the server for validation within the redemption cartridge.This effects at least one of three occurrences:

If game credits were won, such game credits are added to the account ofthe player.

If prize credits were won, such prize credits are added to the accountof the player.

If merchandise has been won, such merchandise is added to the player'sshopping cart. Procurement is delayed until the player checks-out.

getAvailableCredits: The present call may or may not be available ingames played in the demonstration mode. In use, this call is used priorto each game as a way of displaying to the player a number of creditsthat are available.

canPlay: The present call may or may not be available in games played inthe demonstration mode. This call serves as a separate function to checkbusiness rules preventing game play (parental controls, bad account,available credit, and the like)

getAdvertisements: This call may be available in the demonstration modedepending upon the game platform. The present call serves to retrievethe latest advertisements, which are to be played. This may beaccomplished by calling the advertisement in the form of anadvertisement ID and checking to see if the appropriate advertisementhas already been downloaded. If the appropriate advertisement has notalready been downloaded, default advertisements are used that weredownloaded previously during which downloading begins to obtain thelatest advertisements while the player is playing the game or browsing arelated site.

postGameStatus: The present call sets a persistent game state in theevent of a failure of the game apparatus, connection loss, and the like.

getGameStatus: This call gets the persistent data (see postGameStatus)from the game apparatus.

getErrors: The present call retrieves any error information that wasgenerated during use of the game apparatus.

In terms of security, the various variables that are passed may be namedin a counter-intuitive, obfuscated manner. For example, a variablerelating to a personal identification code may be named“prize_credits_awarded.” Further, digital signing may be employed wherefeasible. Even if security is breached, the present invention inherentlyprevents significant fraud since the value of prize credits awarded isalways a fraction of the value of game credits required to play thegame. In addition to the foregoing features, when requests startflooding the server from one particular location, the present inventionmay lock out all future requests from that location.

FIG. 15 illustrates a functional diagram showing the various aspects ofthe method associated with use of the present invention. The variousoperations shown in the functional diagram of FIG. 15 include a playerregistration operation 1102, a purchase game credits operation 1104, aselect game operation 1106, a play game operation 608, an error handlingoperation 1110, an award prizes operation 1112, and a prize redemptionoperation 1114. It should be noted that the foregoing functional aspectsof the present invention may be carried out in any order or not at all.

For example, in demonstration mode, the purchase game credits operation1104 is not necessary, and the awarding prizes and prize redemptionoperations 1112 and 1114 are optional. Further, the player registrationoperation 1102 is only necessary if the prize redemption operation 1114is executed. Still yet, the select games operation 606 is required onlyif multiple games exist and the error handling operation 1110 isoptional.

FIG. 16 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theplayer registration operation 1102 of FIG. 15 is carried out. Playerregistration may be executed at any time by the prize database server ornot at all in some embodiments where a game is being played indemonstration mode. In one embodiment, player registration is requiredonly upon redemption of prize credits for prizes. In such embodiment,the registration process makes it clear that in the event the user doesnot register, the user forfeits any prize credits that have been won.

When registration is required, unregistered players are provided aregistration link in operation 1202. Such link affects the display of aninterface such as a web page which prompts the user to create a personaluser name, or user identification code, and a password. (Note operation1204.) Further, the registration interface requires entry of minimalnecessary information such as a name and an e-mail address. Optionalinformation such as demographics, game preferences, and the like mayalso be entered if desired by the user. It is then determined if thenecessary information has been entered and is complete in decision 1206.Upon entry of at least the necessary information, a confirmation may besent to the user in operation 1208.

At anytime, the user may update any of the foregoing profileinformation. As an option, the user may be precluded from altering theuser identification code for security purposes. As a further option, ahint may be provided in order to facilitate remembering the useridentification code, and/or the password.

In one embodiment, a person registering, or a primary account holder,may establish a plurality of secondary accounts for secondary accountholders. Such features allow a parent to assume a primary account holderrole and control various aspects of the secondary account holders whomay include children of the parent. Examples of aspects which may bevaried independently or simultaneously for each player include aduration or specific range of time a secondary account holder may playgames, a dollar amount of game credits that can be purchased in aspecified amount of time, and/or the types of games that may be played.The control of the type of game permitted to be played may be based on acurrent game industries rating system.

In addition to limiting the ability of the secondary account holders touse the present invention, the primary account holders are also givenexclusive authority to modify and/or delete a current account, andtransfer game credits, prize credits, and prizes to and from the varioussecondary accounts. This allows pooling of prize credits for obtainingdesired prizes, and the like In order to add secondary accounts, aprimary account holder may be required to enter at least one validcredit card number as a way to establish eligibility. It should be notedthat a credit card may not be used to create two separate main accountsduring use of the present invention. Further, game credits, prizecredits, and prizes may not be transferred between main account holdersto inhibit fraud.

FIG. 17 illustrates the process of the present invention by which thepurchase game credits operation 1104 of FIG. 15 is carried out. Suchgame credits are used to play games in order to win prize credits. Itshould be noted that in some embodiments, purchase of game credits isunnecessary due to the presence of advertisements or because the game ismerely being played in a demonstration mode.

The process of FIG. 17 begins by determining whether the player isregistered in decision 1300. If not, the player registration operation1102 (see FIG. 16) is executed. Once it is ascertained that registrationis complete, the purchase of the game credits is permitted in operation1304.

Upon purchase, the game credits are automatically stored under thecorresponding account in operation 1306. The system may have thecapability to provide a non-linear purchasing scale, giving playersincentives to purchase larger quantities of credits at a lower per unitcost. For example, when purchasing credits the player might be offered10 game credits for $1.00, 30 game credits for $2.50, 60 game creditsfor $4.75, and 120 games for $8.50.

While the prize database server handles all of dollar-to-game creditconversion, the conversion factors may be also dictated by managers ofthe game apparatuses. When a player makes a purchase request, the prizedatabase server validates the account and checks business rules toverify that the user is qualified to make the purchase. In the eventthat a user is either restricted by parental controls or his or heraccount has been flagged, the user may be notified of such with theappropriate messages on how to correct the situation, i.e., contactingsupport personnel.

The prize database server may also be designed to support “incentivesuppliers.” Entities which desire to provide free game plays to theircustomers may present various customers with a URL and a key code to beable to use a predetermined amount of game credits. The customer, oruser, would then go to the URL, enter the key code, and receive apredetermined number of free game credits. In the present embodiment,the incentive supplier would be responsible for all costs related to thekey codes that are distributed.

In operation 1106 of FIG. 15, a selection of a game to be played occurs.Two optional types of games that are available include games played inexchange for payment and free games including games played in ademonstration mode. The payment games require the prior execution ofoperations 1102 and 1104 of FIG. 15. In the case of free games, however,player registration in operation 1102 may be delayed until prizeredemption is required.

The free games may include games supported by Java Applets, ShockWave,Flash, and the like, without communication of identification codes orthe like. Further free games may be created to entice users to registerwith the prize database server. It should be noted that free games mayaward only a limited amount of prize credits, if any. As an option, thefree games may only simulate winning. In any case, the user may berequired to register before a prize is redeemable after which futureprize credits awarded to the registered use may be limited or prevented.Further, the free games may be supported by advertising.

Payment games may be supported by Java Applets, ShockWave, Flash,Windows95/98/2000, macros, and the like. It is imperative that it isunderstood that payment games may include any type ofadvertising-supported game or a game that is supported by any type ofcompensation scheme. In one embodiment, the payment games may be playedin a tournament mode. Ideally, tournament games present all tournamentplayers with the same exact game settings so that all players have thesame odds. In one type of tournament game, i.e., a duration-type game, avariable number of games are to be played in a fixed amount of time.

In each of the previous embodiments, the games may include a “game ofskill” that requires a predetermined goal, task, or objective for a gameto be accomplished in a skillful manner such that an outcome of the gameis determined primarily by the amount of skill of the player. Thegreater the player's skill, the closer or more easily a desired goal inthe game can be reached by the player. Points associated with thepredetermined goals or objectives can be added to a game score such thata higher game score, on average, indicates a greater amount of skill bythe player. In the alternative, the games may include a “game of chance”where the outcome of the game is determined primarily on chance. Itshould be noted that games of chance may be restricted based on an ageof the user and/or a geographic location where the user resides.

FIG. 18 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theplay games operation 1108 of FIG. 15 is carried out. As shown, the prizedatabase server is adapted for receiving a plurality of identificationcodes in operation 1400. For example, a site code may be received whichis representative of a web site, or game apparatus, which is supportinga game. In addition to the site identification code, a gameidentification code, a user identification code, a prize creditidentification code, a mode identification code, or any other type ofidentifier may be received by the prize database server.

As an option, the prize or any other feature associated with the presentinvention may be determined based on any of the foregoing identificationcodes. Further, other aspects of the present invention may bespecifically tailored for a particular profile. For example, the cost ofgame credits, a prize, a name, a number or value of the prize creditsawarded; advertising, sounds, graphics, and/or limited access may bealtered based on any of the aforementioned identifiers. In each of theforegoing cases, such tailored aspects may be handled by the gameserver.

One objective of the use of identifiers is to allow for partnerships,especially between the prize database server and other game servers. Onegame server, for example, may allow all its players to play a specificgame for free thus modifying the value of credits, but only for thatparticular site. Accordingly, each game server may have settingsspecific to that site and thus when a player launches a game, the prizedatabase server must know the originating location of the game in orderto return the appropriate game settings. In addition, players will beable to register with the prize database server at partner game servers,or sites. Further, the interfaces provided by the prize database servermay be modified in accordance with the interface of the partner gameservers. This creates the perception that a user is still interfacingwith the partner game server when actually he or she is interfacing withthe prize database server. As an option, activity for all players may bemaintained for each of the game servers as a way to track site trafficand thus be able to pay commissions of the game credits revenue, saleadvertising, and collect advertising revenue.

In addition to facilitating partnerships, the identifiers may be used tocontrol the experiences of particular users. As mentioned earlier, anage of the user or account status, i.e., a secondary account holder, mayaffect the user's ability to perform various functions of the presentinvention. Further, the user identification code may be used to indicatea location of the user. This may be accomplished by referencingregistration information of the user or tracking an IP address by whichthe user has gained access to the server. Given the identity of suchgeographic location, the present invention may preclude access tocertain games in accordance with local jurisdiction laws. This may beparticularly beneficial in the case of “games of chance” as discussedhereinabove. It should be noted that alternate game settings may bechanged for each particular jurisdiction.

Upon the receipt of the identification codes, it is then determined indecision 902 whether a current version of the game is present and valid.If the current version is unacceptable, an installer may be executed inoperation 1404. Such an installer may be downloaded from the prizedatabase server and subsequently executed on the game apparatus.

When it is verified that the current version of the game on the gameapparatus is valid, advertisement software may be executed. Prior toexecution, however, the advertisement software may be identified inoperation 1406 after which it is determined in decision 1408 whether aversion of the advertisement software is present and valid. If not, theadvertisement is updated in operation 1410 by downloading, and the like.Finally, the game is executed in operation 1412.

Advertising software may be executed between or during games. Suchadvertisements can include still shots, animation, movies, sound, andthe like. Advertisements sponsored by companies, prize providers, gameproviders, or other sources can be displayed and, in another aspect ofthe present invention, can be directly related to prize or gameinformation. For example, a sponsor may have contributed to prizesavailable to players on the advertising game apparatus, so that theadvertisement has a direct relation to prizes and can thus increase theeffectiveness of such advertising. A sponsor might also supply freegames for players in exchange for displaying advertisements, or maysimply pay the game or prize database server for advertising time. Stillyet, a player can play an advertiser-sponsored game and directly win anadvertiser's prize if a task is accomplished. Thus, using the linkedadvertising and prize redemption system disclosed herein, multiplerevenue streams from advertisers are offered to a game operator and alsooffer the sponsors more effective advertising.

FIG. 19 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theerror handling operation 1110 of FIG. 15 is carried out. Error handlingis executed upon a loss of connection between the prize database serverand the desktop or laptop computer, as determined by decision 1500. If aloss of connection is detected, the game parameters in the prizedatabase server will not have had the chance to be updated at gameend-time. As such, in order to compensate the user, a predeterminednumber of game or prize credits may be awarded to the user in operation1506.

Since awarding of game or prize credits in response to connection lossmay provide an incentive for intended connection loss during game play,certain precautions are necessary. In one embodiment, a method may beimplemented for tracking players who regularly ‘drop’ connections. Thesoftware on the game apparatus, i.e. the communicator module, may try tosolve the problem when communication is re-established, but if it cannotfix the problem, the player may be given the opportunity to play thegame again for free as long as they have not exceeded a predeterminedmaximum number of free game or prize credits. Such predetermined maximumnumber of free games may be established in predetermined time intervals,i.e., 10 credits/month, to limit the negative affects of fraud.

In the event that a user has exceeded the predetermined maximum numberof free games in decision 1502, the user may be notified and given acustomer service number to call in operation 1504. Customer service willhave the ability to give the user some more credits on a discretionarybasis. Once connection has been re-established, the communicator modulewill update the server with any data cached prior to the connectionloss.

In the awarding prizes operation 1112 of FIG. 15, prizes of varioustypes may be awarded. The term “prize”, as used herein, is intended togenerically refer to any merchandise, souvenir, food item, game creditsor other physical goods or services which can be offered to players ofredemption games and which may have value other than as a medium ofexchange for use in the gaming environment. A radio, stuffed animal, toymodel, coupon for monetary value outside the gaming environment, giftcertificate, cash, and free games to be played on game apparatus are allexamples of “prizes.” A prize might also be a promotional coupon or cashprizes, which can encourage players to return to the current gamingenvironment more quickly in the future.

“Prize credits” differ from a “prize” since they can be used to redeemother types of prizes. In one embodiment, the prize credits that areawarded represent a type of universal currency that may be used forprize redemption purposes. In use, prizes may be made available forvarious amounts of the universal prize credits.

The amount of prize credits awarded to the player may be based upon agame score or other result of a game process. In addition, special orprogressive goals may be achieved by the player to win an additional orspecified number of universal prize credits. In the preferred embodimentof the redemption system, “prize credits” are used as a medium ofconversion from game score to a prize value.

As an option, specific prize credits may be awarded which may beredeemed for specific prizes awarded to the user. Specific prize creditsare to be distinguished from the universal credits described above. A“specific prize” or “instant prize,” as referred to herein, is aparticular prize or type of prize that a player can be directly andimmediately awarded and, in most cases, can immediately receive due to aparticular winning result on a game apparatus. A “specific prizecredit,” as referred to herein, is thus an electronic voucher that canbe exchanged for the specific prize only.

The prize credits, as described hereinabove, may be awarded by any oneof various methods. In the case of the specific prize credit, the samemay be downloaded prior to beginning play of the game. This preventscomplications if a connection with the prize database server is lostduring play. Further, such a feature allows the player to know theprize(s) at stake prior to play for legal purposes, and also allows thespecific prize credit to be immediately displayed upon being awardedwithout delay due to downloading. As an option, the specific prizecredit may even be displayed during play prior to being awarded forenticement purposes.

In another embodiment, an ordered list of specific prize credits may bedisplayed during play. Ideally, such list of specific prize credits maybe generated based on business rules on a periodic, i.e., a 24-hourbasis. Such business rules may include a current total number ofspecific prize credits a current player has been rewarded in the past, adesired payout percentage, a current average number of game credits thatthe current player spends per game, a current total number of specificprize credits available, and a value of a game credit. It should benoted that the foregoing business rules may vary based on other factorssuch as a web site through which the game was accessed, a profile of theplayer, and the like. If such information is not available for anyreason, the present invention may employ default values to generate theappropriate specific prize credits. Additional information on suchbusiness rules may be had by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,127, byKelly et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

In yet another embodiment, a “frenzy” is afforded by listing a pluralityof specific prize credits along with a current number of such specificprize credits that are remaining, or have not yet been awarded. Rulesgoverning how the specific prize credits are awarded in the present modeare similar to those discussed previously. However, the types and numberof specific prize credits awarded are predetermined. It should be notedthat when the quantity of any given specific prize credits reaches zero,such specific prize credit may remain on the list but will graphicallyindicate that it is no longer available.

As an option, the previous embodiment may be modified by increasing thevariety and/or number of specific prize credits under certaincircumstances. This number may be increased based on the amount of timesa particular game is played, the number of times that different gamesare played, or by achieving a game-related goal, thus affording a“frenzy”-type situation.

In still yet another embodiment, the prize credits may be awarded in a“progressive” manner. In such embodiment, each user contributes to acollective progressive pool. The progressive pool, for example, can beincremented with every game credit spent on any game apparatus,incremented based on an amount of advertisement impressions that areserved (ideal for when advertiser is paying or supporting theprogressive score), automatically incremented over time at regular orrandom intervals, manually incremented by an operator of the prizedatabase server, calculated in real-time, and the like. The progressivepool is accumulated from the current and previous games that have beenplayed on any linked game apparatus. In one embodiment, the incrementrate of the progressive pool can be determined independent of the numberof players playing or advertisements viewed.

The first player that achieves a predetermined progressive goal on anyof the linked game apparatuses wins the progressive prize credits pool,where the progressive amount of prize credits is added to that player'sprize credits count. It should be noted that a progressive bonus numberof prize credits may also be awarded in lieu of a bonus score, therebyavoiding the need for conversion. Once the progressive bonus score iswon, the process is restarted at a default value for continued play.Progressive goals, scores, and bonus apparatuses are described inadditional detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,127, by Kelly et al., which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 20 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theawarding prizes operation 1112 of FIG. 15 is carried out in order tocontend with the possibility of losing a connection with the prizedatabase server. Specifically, FIG. 20 illustrates the processassociated with awarding a progressive score or prize credit amount.

As shown in FIG. 20, prior to the beginning of each game, informationincluding a current progressive prize credit or score amount isretrieved along with a current predetermined increment rate from theserver in operations 1600 and 1602. During use, the progressive prizecredit or score amount is periodically incremented at the increment ratein operation 1604 for the duration of the game.

During the course of the game, the current prize credit or score amountmay be displayed, as indicated in operation 1606. If the player achievesthe high score or some other related goal, all of the currentprogressive prize pool or score amount is awarded the user. At the endof the game in operation 1608, information including the current prizecredit or score amount is sent to a host server for redemption purposes.By downloading both an increment rate and a progressive prize credit orscore amount, communication with the server need only be establishedonce at the beginning of the game.

In one embodiment, a particular method may be used to calculate adynamic progressive score increment rate during the course of the game.In such an embodiment, a calculation is made periodically to determinethe current increment rate, which is, in turn, used to calculate thecurrent progressive pool that is to be displayed. In one embodiment,such calculation may be carried out every 2 minutes. It should be notedthat the increment rate reflects the amount of time required for theprogressive prize credit pool to be incremented by one prize credit,e.g., a prize credit is incremented every 1.824 seconds.

To calculate the current increment rate, a current total number of gamesplayed is first determined. The current total number of games incrementseach time a game is begun at a certain site on the network and in acertain mode, i.e. progressive mode, tournament, and the like. Next, aprevious total number of games is subtracted from the current totalnumber which, of course, will be larger. The previous total number ofgames is the total number of games that was retrieved when the incrementrate was last calculated. Thereafter, a difference between the currenttotal number of games played and the previous total number of gamesplayed is multiplied by a prize credit fraction that determines adesired pay-out of the progressive game, thus rendering a prize creditincrement product.

Next, an amount of time that has elapsed since the last calculation ofthe increment rate is determined by subtracting a last counter read timefrom a current time. This elapsed time is then converted intomilliseconds and divided by the prize credit increment product. Thisrenders the current increment rate.

In another embodiment, a client computer may store a time when theplayer achieves the high score or other related goal. Subsequently, uponreconnection with the host server, information including such time maybe communicated thereto. This time may then be used in conjunction withtables on the host server that have different progressive scores basedon different times and dates. For example, as time progresses from adesignated start time of the progressive scoring, the amount of theawarded progressive score increases.

Further information including a cap or maximum progressive score may beretrieved from the host server prior to the game or any other time toprevent such score from exceeding a predetermined amount. In thealternative, such information may be stored and utilized on the hostserver. These features aid in preventing fraudulent activity.

As an option, the games may be played in a tournament-type fashion.During tournament play, various users may play against each other. Toensure fairness, various aspects of the games played may be maintainedconstant. For example, in the case of card games, the electronic virtualplaying deck may be made to deliver similar results in the games of eachof the players. To enhance tournament play, top scores of tournamentplayers may be tracked over a period of time for the purpose of awardinga particular prize pool or a portion thereof to the highest score, andthe like More information on tournament play may be had by reference toU.S. Pat. No. 5,292,127, by Kelly et al., which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 20A illustrates a method of the present invention for determiningpayment for participating in a network gaming tournament. As shown, aplurality of networked game apparatuses are first provided in operation1650 for allowing games to be played by a plurality of players in atournament. Such game apparatuses allow the play of games in exchangefor game credits, or rely on funding provided by advertisers or thelike.

After the play of game(s) during a tournament, an indication of anoutcome, i.e. score, of at least one game played by each of the playersis then received in operation 1652. Such outcome may be manually sent bythe player, or automatically sent. Based on a sum of the outcomes of thegames of all of the players, a total amount of prize credits or prizesis determined in operation 1654. It should be noted that the gameapparatuses are already equipped with the ability to convert betweenoutcomes of the games and a number of appropriate prize credits orprizes. Such ability is necessary for the games to be played duringnon-tournament play.

Subsequently, a first portion of the total amount of prize credits orprizes is partitioned for payment for participation in the tournament,and a second portion of the total amount of prize credits or prizes isawarded to one or more winning players based on the outcome of at leastone game thereof. (Note operations 1656 and 1658.) As an option, a firstpredetermined part of the second portion may be allocated for a firstwinner, a second predetermined part of the second portion may beallocated for a second winner, and so on.

In one embodiment, at least one winning player may be indicated on alist accessible on a site on the network. Such list may be updated uponreceiving an indication of an outcome of at least one game played byanother one of the players. This process may continue until all of theoutcomes are received. As an option, a notice may be sent to at leastone player each time the list is updated. Such a notice, i.e., ane-mail, may be given only to those players whose winnings are affected,or anybody desired.

In another embodiment, the total amount of prize credits or prizes maybe determined by receiving a total sum of outcomes of the games for eachof the players. Such total sum may then be divided by a number of thegames played by each player. Such process renders an average outcomevalue per game for each player. The total amount of prize credits orprizes may be then determined based on a sum of the average values ofthe players. For additional incentive purposes, each of the players maybe awarded a predetermined number of prize credits or prizesirrespective of an outcome of the games.

It should be noted that the game experience of each of the players maybe set to be the same. Further, the network gaming system may tailor theexperience upon each game. In a trivia game example, the network gamingsystem may track each time a tournament trivia game is played.Thereafter, each consecutive time the trivia game is played, a differentline of questions may be provided. In operation, all players in thetournament may be given the same set of questions depending on whetherit is their first, second, third, and the like entry. After the databaseof questions is exhausted, the questions may be “wrapped back” around tothe first set of questions.

FIG. 21 illustrates the process of the present invention by which theprize redemption operation 1114 of FIG. 15 is carried out. In order toaccomplish this, the prize database server is adapted for displaying atleast one prize redemption interface page in operation 1700 to allowredemption of the prize credits. As an option, the user interface of thegame apparatuses may include a link to the prize redemption interfacepage of the prize database server.

Once the prize redemption interface page, or “shopping center”, has beenaccessed, the user is required to register in operation 1102 (see FIG.7) if it is determined that he or she is not already registered indecision 1702. After an identity of the user is verified, selection of adesired prize may be executed in operation 1704. In the case where theprize credit is a specific prize credit, which corresponds with anundesired prize, the user may have the option of replacing the specificprize credit with universal prize credits. Upon selection of the desiredprize, shipping information may be verified in operation 1706.Subsequently, the prize may be delivered by any capable means and theaccount of the user may be adjusted to reflect the current availableprize credits accordingly. (Note operation 1708.) It should be notedthat user registration may not be required for merely browsing the prizeredemption interface page.

In an alternate embodiment, a user may elect for the prize databaseserver to automatically deliver a prize corresponding to any specificprize credit awarded. In such case, the prize database server may usethe player's default account settings for shipping. During the course ofdelivery, the users may receive emails indicating that a delivery hasbeen confirmed and also when the prize is to be shipped. As an option,the user may be notified of a back-order.

In addition to the foregoing capabilities, the prize redemptioninterface page and prize database server may include a virtual shoppingcart function, a checkout capability, shipping address, modificationmodule, and the like. If the virtual shopping cart function is employed,any specific prize credit that is awarded may be immediately depositedtherein. At any desired time, prizes depicted on the prize redemptioninterface page may be added and removed. Optionally, the prizeredemption interface page may display advertisements, notification ofspecials, legal disclaimers, and the like.

FIG. 22 is a graphical user interface 1800 for allowing play of a gamethat is “prize-enabled” in accordance with the present invention. Asshown, a frame 1802 is shown to include a first display 1804 fordepicting a current amount of available credits of a particular userbased on the user identification code. A second display 1806 is providedfor depicting a number of prize credits that are currently awarded tothe user. Also positioned on the frame 1802 is a third display 1808 forindicating either a point-to prize credit conversion table, a list ofpossible prizes, or a list of high scores.

The frame 1802 is also equipped with links including a select game link1810 for allowing selection of a game to play and buy credits links 1812and 1813 for purchasing additional game credits. Upon selection ofeither the select game link 1310 or the buy credits links 1812 and 1813,both the user identification code and the site identification code istransmitted to the prize database server for the reasons set forthearlier. Shop links 1814 and 1816 are also provided for linking to theprize redemption user interface of the prize database server. Uponselection of one of the shop links 1814 and 1816, a site identificationcode is transmitted in order to allow the prize redemption userinterface to be equipped with specifically tailored insignias and other“look and feel” features.

With continuing reference to FIG. 22, a start button 1818 may beincluded to execute the game that is currently selected. A display bar1820 may also be shown for advertisement, informative, or any otherpurposes. Further, a member link 1822 and a help link 1824 may beincluded for providing various miscellaneous services. Positioned in theframe is a game interface 1826 that is to be executed. Ideally, the gameis configured with dynamic HTML.

FIG. 23 illustrates an optional advertisement feedback capability of thepresent invention. Such feature is adapted for reporting interest in anadvertisement displayed during use of a network system, and inparticular, a network gaming system of the present invention. Thissystem enables a provider of the network gaming system to focusadvertising towards particular users of the network system and alsoreport the interest shown by particular users towards particularadvertisers and advertisements.

As shown in FIG. 23, the advertisement feedback system of the presentinvention stores user profiles of a plurality of users of a networksystem in operation 1900. After a user logs onto the network system inoperation 1902, an advertisement by a sponsor of the network system isdisplayed on a visual display of the particular user in operation 1904.

In response to an action by the user, the network system sends theparticular user's profile to the sponsor. (Note operation 1906.) Theuser's profile may contain a great deal of previously collectedinformation. Thus, this system allows a network system provider tostrategically pass on a wealth of marketing information of the users ofthe network system. As an option, the method by which the marketinginformation is delivered may be selected by the user and may includemodes of communication such as electronic mail, ground mail, and thelike. This selection may be affected during log-on, registration, or atany other time. Also, the user may be connected to a site on the networkassociated with the advertisers upon a user selecting, or “clicking” onthe advertisement. If the marketing information is sent by a networkprovider, the advertiser may be informed of the delivery of theappropriate information.

The advertisement may relate to an offered prize or a particular gamecapable of being played on the network gaming system. As an option inthis network gaming system embodiment, the user profile of the user maybe sent to the advertiser as a result of the user being awarded a prize.

In one embodiment, the user action may occur while the advertisement isbeing displayed. As one option for this embodiment, the user action maycomprise the user actually selecting the displayed advertisement. Thisway, the provider has a way to identify immediate user interest in aparticular advertisement. With such an embodiment, the network systemprovider is able to easily relay user interest in a particular sponsorat the time that the user actually experiences the sponsor'sadvertisement. This embodiment also provides a way for a network systemprovider to determine which advertisements their users are moreinterested in. With this information, the provider is then able toarrange and time the display of advertisements in a manner to optimizethe effectiveness of the advertisements towards the users of the networksystem.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

1. A gaming system that provides game play in exchange for monetaryinput per game played, the gaming system comprising: a game server; anda plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network,wherein at least a portion of the network is a wireless network, andwherein the game system is dynamically reconfigurable and enableswireless real time gaming.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein thewireless real time gaming includes wireless real-time wagering.
 3. Thegaming system of claim 2, wherein the wireless real-time wageringincludes wagering on a next play in a sporting event.
 4. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaming unitsare personal data assistants.
 5. The gaming system of claim 1, whereinthe wireless real time gaming enables wireless gaming on the casinogrounds that are off of the game floor.
 6. The gaming system of claim 5,wherein the casino grounds that are off of the game floor include acasino pool, casino restaurants, casino bars, casino night clubs, casinohotel rooms, and combinations thereof.
 7. The gaming system of claim 1,wherein the gaming system includes games having game parameters, andwherein the game parameters are adjustable in a wireless environment. 8.The gaming system of claim 1, wherein one or more game units employ awireless transmitter/receiver for communicating without cables or wires.9. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein one or more game units atdifferent gaming sites communicate with each other through a privatewide area network (WAN) or the Internet, wherein communication betweengame units is accomplished using telephone lines, ISDN lines,direct-connect data lines, fiber optic lines, cellular phone or wirelessreceiver/transmitter devices, or combinations thereof.
 10. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein one or more game units at different gamingsites communicate with each other via a broadband RF communicationnetwork.
 11. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the game serverexecutes game results using central determination and forwards the gameresults to one or more of the game units using the network, and whereinthe game units include mobile phones and the network includes a wirelessnetwork.
 12. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the gaming systememploys unique player identifiers to determine game eligibility in awireless environment.
 13. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein thegaming system includes game parameter normalization in a wirelessenvironment.
 14. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the gaming systemincludes tournament gaming in a wireless environment.
 15. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein the gaming system employs age verification ina wireless environment.
 16. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein thegaming system includes remote crediting in a wireless environment. 17.The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the gaming system includesinformation relay in a wireless environment.
 18. The gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the gaming system includes credit redemption in awireless environment.
 19. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein thegaming system includes ticketing in multiple media formats in a wirelessenvironment.